I’ve struggled with very fine and thinning hair for years, and no matter how many serums or thickening shampoos I buy, I never see much growth. My dermatologist recommended Nutrafol supplements to help my hair grow in sparse areas, and I’ve actually noticed a major difference after taking them consistently for six months — I recently bought a three-month refill to keep my hair care journey going. New hair started growing within the first three months of taking them, and I’ve even gotten compliments about how my hair looks thicker and healthier. It’s a bit of a hassle to take four fairly large pills every day (I take them before bed), but consistency is definitely key.
My skin is very sensitive and rosacea-prone, so it doesn’t tolerate prescription retinoids. However, I wanted a solution for my acne scars and fine lines that over-the-counter retinol simply wasn’t addressing — so, my dermatologist recommended Skinbetter Alpharet as a sensitive skin-friendly alternative. I’ve used this consistently for the past month and I’m obsessed. My skin feels smoother and looks brighter without the terrible irritation that comes with topical retinoids (of course, I’m very cautious to use only a pea-sized amount just two to three times a week). Plus, it has alpha hydroxy acids in it, so it gently exfoliates my skin without damaging my skin barrier.
It might sound dramatic to say that a touchless trash can is life changing, but I genuinely believe this one is. I ordered this as a fancier replacement to an older trash can I had, and though it’s definitely an investment for a simple household tool, it’s worth every penny. It automatically opens when I swipe my hand over the top, so I never have to touch the lid or step on a lever. It also comes with an odor filter that absorbs unpleasant smells (which is especially useful since I don’t have enough space to hide it so it sits out in the open in my apartment).
As someone with a very small New York City apartment, the loft portion of my space is a lifesaver in terms of storage. But it doesn’t have anything to cover it, which means all of my boxes, luggage and other home essentials are visible and look extremely cluttered. I tried installing a short curtain as a cover, but it looked unattractive and untidy. I invested in two sets of these screens and they’re exactly what my space needed — the panels look cute, match my walls and decor and do exactly what they’re meant to. People even compliment them all the time when they come over.
If Ilia ever stops making this tinted sunscreen, I’ll be deeply distraught. It’s as close as you’ll get to a perfect makeup-skin care hybrid that takes less than one minute to apply. I feel like I’m walking around with an invisible ring light on my face whenever I wear it — the glow factor is major. This past weekend, I layered it with Danessa Myricks’ Yummy Skin Glow Serum (which the brand sent me to try) and I couldn’t stop looking in the mirror. But even when I wear Ilia’s tint by itself — which I can because it has SPF and hydration benefits — I feel (and look) good.
I’m getting swole. Just kidding, but I am getting in better shape. I’m not a gym-goer but I live for free YouTube workouts. This dumbbell set is affordable and I can convert it into a barbell situation too, which keeps things interesting. It doesn’t take up too much room at home and you don’t have to know rocket science to put the pieces together.
Leaf sent me a sample of this solid shaving soap bar that’s meant to replace traditional shaving creams and gels. I loved that this lathers just like traditional shaving cream. All I have to do is gently rub it on my hair and shave with a razor. It worked well on both thin hairs around my upper arm, but also on thicker follicles. I tried the unscented version, but it comes in a scented option, too.
I started running more and taking HIIT classes and needed a new pair of workout shorts that weren’t too cumbersome or tight around my waist — these fit the bill perfectly. The waistband is extremely flexible so I don’t feel the need to constantly adjust it. The legs are also loose and come above my knee, which I prefer since it makes it easier for me to run comfortably. They’ve also held up very well after many washes and have no tears or discoloration on them.
The Boox Palma 2 is an e-reader that fits in the palm of my hand. I’ve been using one for about three weeks after the brand sent me it to try out. At first glance, it resembles a typical Amazon Kindle but it can do so much more since it uses the Android operating system. I can listen to audiobooks or Spotify, download other e-reader apps like Libby or Bookshop and go on the internet and read articles. I could even download TikTok if I wanted. It can seem simple but it gives me a level of customization that I haven’t seen in other e-readers.
I had achilles tendonitis earlier this year, and because I was so desperate to get back to my normal running schedule, I bought numerous braces, creams and gadgets to help me heal. While most of them did absolutely nothing, this stretcher was beyond worth it. When I use it, I feel my calves, hamstrings, achilles and feet release tension and tightness. It’s so much more effective than using a stair or propping my foot against a wall to stretch, and I’ve now permanently incorporated it into my pre- and post-run routine. I store it under my couch when I’m not using it since it’s pretty small. When my friends and family come over, I make everyone try it so they can understand how amazing it feels.
I know, I know: I shouldn’t wash my hair every day. But because I run and do hot yoga so often, my curls get gross and sweaty, so I have no choice. About a year ago, my beloved hairdresser recommended I use Ouidad’s cleansing conditioner instead of shampooing every day, and in February month, I bought it for the fourth time. I’ve tried other cleansing conditioners, but I always come back to this one because it makes my hair feel so soft, gets all the gunk out, is a great detangler and smells fantastic. I love the creamy texture, too — it’s not soapy and doesn’t get sudsy or lather much. I rake it through my curls with my fingers, let it sit for a few minutes and then brush out my knots with my Tangle Teezer. It’s a staple in my hair care routine and I’ve accepted that I’m a repeat buyer for life.
I’m DIY-ing a dining nook in my apartment, and after painting an arch on my wall and hanging a pendant light, I needed a rug to put under my table. I knew I had to get one from Ruggable — the machine-washable rug is ideal for my multipet household, and for an area where I’d be serving (and possibly spilling) food. The brand sent me a round Jesper Stone Rug, which could not look more perfect. It anchors the space, really making it feel separate from my living room and kitchen. Setting up the rug took less than five minutes — I rolled out the pad, put the cover on top and patted it down so the Velcro-like material stuck the two pieces together. The pad underneath is also grippy, preventing it from sliding around. Knowing I can easily clean it gives me peace of mind since I have two cats, a puppy and love to cook so messes are inevitable.
Despite my friends raving about Levi’s jeans for years, I’ve never been able to find a style or cut that fits my petite-but-curvy frame until these. They check off a lot of boxes for me: They have a straight leg that isn’t too baggy or slim verging on skinny and they’re cut in a way that fits my hourglass shape nicely. They’re wide enough for my hips but still manage to fit my waist (without a huge gap). They also have just enough give; they’re a bit stiff in the butt area those first few wears, but they soften and stretch quickly. I’ve already bought three pairs and plan to buy more.
I’ve been trying to carry a camera more often, and even though mine are relatively small, I never find them very comfortable to strap around my neck — they always bounce back and forth as soon as I start walking. The Slide Lite camera strap solved this problem for me. I’ve been using it for a little over seven months after the brand sent me it to try out.
The key is in where you attach the strap to the camera. With a normal camera strap, you usually loop it through built-in lugs on the left and right side of your camera. You can attach the Slide Lite this way too, however, it also comes with a small mounting plate that you screw into the tripod socket on the bottom of the camera. With the mounting plate, you can attach the strap to the left, right or bottom of the camera. Doing so keeps the camera in place when I walk. It makes carrying my favorite camera easier, and I’m more inclined to do so more often.
After months of not seeing a friend, the first thing she said to me was: “Your hair looks amazing. What products have you been using?” I knew she was talking about its shininess, and I credited this to a pre-wash hair oil I’ve been using. Once a week, I drench my scalp and hair in this oil for at least 30 minutes before I shower. (I can technically leave it on overnight since it absorbs instantly, but I’m never patient enough for that.) Initially, I was hesitant about using it because I was scared my hair would look greasy, but it hasn’t been an issue. I shampoo once, and the oil washes out easily with no residue. Then, I go in again with another round of shampoo for good measure. After consistently using it these past four weeks, my hair and scalp feel healthier, and my hair has a frizz-free sheen I’ve only ever noticed after a professional blowout.
I sweat so much when working out that using this towel has been a game-changer for me. It’s incredibly absorbent so sweat never seeps onto my yoga mat, even in the hottest conditions. While the top has a classic towel feel, the underside is covered in silicone grips (like Pilates socks) so it stays in place on top of my mat as I move around. After working out, I toss it into the washer and dryer and even after washing it multiple times, the grips keep their stickiness.
After using this cream once, my feet transformed in less than 12 hours. When I saw the results, my jaw was on the floor. My feet felt like sandpaper, so, at night, I slathered on this foot cream. By the morning, my feet never felt softer. I’m someone who regularly gets pedicures and has tried foot treatments like the Baby Foot Foot Peel, but this takes the cake. The cream melted away all the rough, dry areas. I was so shocked that I couldn’t stop touching my legs with my feet because they were silky and smooth. It’s been a couple of weeks since I first tried it, and I haven’t had to use it again because the results last so long.
This long winter has been brutal and harsh on my chronically dry and acne-prone skin. The ceramide cream from Illiyoon is the best Korean skin care product I’ve used to protect my skin barrier and keep me moisturized in frigid weather. My skin usually suffers during the winter, but the thick formulation and lack of harsh ingredients help hydrate and protect my sensitive skin from the elements. I’ve definitely noticed an improvement in my skin texture since using it. It’s always sold out on Korean retailer sites because of its popularity so I definitely stock up when I can.
I’m an associate reporter at NBC Select, where I write about new product launches and beauty and wellness topics, including recent stories on how to clean hairbrushes and combs and the best body washes for dry skin. For this story, our staff, who frequently try dozens of products a month, share their favorite finds from February.
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