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REI
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Brooks Running
The best product launches in May: Shop Hoka, Away, Sony and more
Away and Halfday just made summer traveling much easier — seriously.
The Brooks Ghost is one of our favorite men’s running and women’s running shoes — we recommend the Brooks Ghost 16 to beginners, experts and anyone looking for a solid daily trainer. The Ghost 17 is different in a few key areas: it has a lower heel drop, taller stack height, and more cushion (and slightly more weight). It is available in men’s and women’s sizes.
If the Hoka Mafate Speed 4 is designed for speedy, technical runs, the Mafate X is designed for long-distance endurance. It’s a highly cushioned carbon plated trail running shoe designed for adventure and ultra runners. It has trail running essentials like a grippy outsole with 3.5 millimeter lugs and a protective toe cap.
Thirdlove designed this lingerie collection with a cooling, drying fabric that specifically addresses hot flashes, which many women experience daily. The temperature-regulating fabric is infused with volcanic minerals, which react to body heat and humidity, evaporating sweat before it starts, according to the brand. The collection includes a T-shirt bra (A to H cups, 32 to 42 bands), wireless bra (sizes XS to 3X) and hipster underwear (sizes XS to 3X).
These may be the new over-ear headphones to get. NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz has been testing the Sony WH-1000XM6 for weeks ahead of launch, and thinks they are some of the best headphones you can get. They have excellent sound quality, powerful active noise cancellation, intuitive (and consistent) touch controls and excellent battery life — everything you could want in a pair of headphones. They also fold down to a small size, unlike the previous XM5s.
Garmin makes many of our favorite smartwatches and fitness trackers, and this new model looks like a good fit for folks with marathons and race training on their calendars. It’s the new mid-tier Forerunner watch, with more advanced training, GPS and multisport features than the entry-level Forerunner 165. It also has built-in speakers and microphones, so it can make calls, send voice messages, unlike the previous mid-tier Forerunner 265.
Rabinowitz tried out the Forerunner 570 during a Garmin launch event in New York City, and will be testing it further to get a better feel for all the new features.
The brand also launched the Garmin Forerunner 970, the most premium, high-end option in the Forerunner series, and the Garmin HRM 600, a new chest heart rate monitor.
Whoop is a fitness tracker that distinguishes itself from others with in-depth data analysis, a totally screen-free wristband and a pricey subscription model. Whoop 5.0 is actually three new products in one: the Whoop One ($199 a year), Whoop Peak ($239 a year) and Whoop Life ($359 a year). All of them use a new band that is smaller and has a much longer 14-day battery life (compared to Whoop 4.0’s five days). The Whoop Life in particular comes with a Whoop MG band, which has EKG capability. But the biggest changes are to the Whoop app, which now has new health and longevity features and metrics, AI coaching and more.
Soundcore makes some of the best value earbuds and headphones — the Liberty 4 NC are some of our favorite budget earbuds. These Liberty 5 earbuds continue that trend with a comfortable fit, sleek case, excellent battery life and good sound quality for the price, says Rabinowitz. The price is a little higher than the Liberty 4 NC at $129, though.
We love the original Backbone One controller as a way to make your smartphone feel more like a handheld gaming console. The Backbone Pro controller takes that a step further — it’s more comfortable, more precise and is compatible with more devices. The first thing we noticed was the improved ergonomics; the controller is bigger, with larger joysticks that feel more like using a classic Playstation or Xbox controller. You can hear more of our thoughts in the video below
Rabinowitz didn’t get his hands on this camera until the end of April, so it’s sneaking into our May column, despite its earlier launch. Rabinowitz has been testing the Z5II throughout May and is beyond impressed. It’s incredibly comfortable and easy to use — Rabinowitz didn’t read or watch any tutorials and figured out the essentials within 20 minutes. The autofocus feels a bit like magic, locking onto people’s eyes even in dimly lit scenes. And the images are superb — the headphone and Garmin images above were taken with the Z5II. “For 95% of people, it’s capable of doing any and everything, and it’s somehow $1700, which feels like a steal for the features you get” says Rabinowitz.
This Popsocket combines the classic collapsible grip with a versatile stand that you can use to prop your phone up horizontally or vertically. Unlike previous Popsockets, this one has a hinged design that folds out and becomes a kickstand of sorts for standing your phone up vertically. It attaches to the back of your phone (or compatible case) using MagSafe, but also comes with an attachable MagSafe adapter ring.
The Polaroid Flip is an instant camera that blends retro design and modern convenience in an appealing way. The camera has sonar autofocus (yes, you read that right) — when you press the shutter button, it sends out an ultrasonic pulse to detect your subject, then picks which of its built-in lenses to use to focus. It has a screen that shows you things like your shooting mode, film counter, exposure warning and more. Plus you can also control the camera remotely from your phone using the Polaroid app. The Polaroid Flip takes Polaroid i-Type and Polaroid 600 film.
Suunto is best known for running and diving watches, and this latest addition is their most affordable new model yet. It borrows many features from the Suunto Race and Suunto Race S, but at a much lower price tag. It has accurate dual-band GPS, a super lightweight design (36 grams total), running-specific marathon mode, metronome feature, track running, offline music playback and more. It also gets up to 12 days of battery life, and comes in four colors. At $249, it’s extremely comparable to one of my favorite value running watches: the Garmin Forerunner 165.
Rabinowitz uses a Wahoo bike computer for all his long-distance bike rides — they are easy to use and help him get from point A to point B without getting lost. This new model sits in the middle of the brand’s new product lineup: less pricey than the Wahoo Elemnt Ace, but more capable than the smaller Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V3. Compared to the previous version, the new Roam V3 has a more colorful, touchscreen display, a built-in speaker that can announce navigation prompts and act as a bike bell, improved battery life (up to 25 hours) and more.
Dieux’s cleansing oil gets rid of grime, skin care and makeup without stripping or tugging on skin, according to the brand. It leaves your face soft and clean, and it’s made from emollients and emulsifiers to remove water-, oil- and wax-based products. To use the cleansing oil, which doesn’t clog pores and is safe for acne-prone skin, Dieux recommends massaging it into dry skin, rinsing with warm water and patting dry.
Merit’s The Uniform tinted sunscreen quickly became one of our editors’ favorite options after testing it this month. The 100% mineral SPF offers broad-spectrum SPF 45 protection and buildable coverage without being heavy or cakey, regardless of how many layers you apply. It has a smooth, creamy, lightweight feel and blends into skin easily and evenly, says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. The sunscreen won’t clog pores, and it’s free from oils and silicone. You can buy it in 15 shades.
Use the Blendercleanser Tool Scrub, a solid soap that’s infused with natural grains to clean your makeup sponges, brushes and even your hands after applying makeup. It comes in lavender and charcoal scents, as well as an unscented option. To use it, you wet your Beautyblender or brush, lather, rinse and dry.
We’re lip balm connoisseurs at NBC Select, and many members of our team recently added Glow Recipe’s Glass Balm to our collections. It’s made with hydrating and plumping ingredients like hyaluronic microspheres and fruit extracts, which moisturize skin for up to 12 hours, according to the brand. Glass Balm comes in four shades inspired by the co-founders’ Korean heritage.
NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio has dozens of lip balms to choose from, but keeps coming back to this one from Glow Recipe. “It’s not too sticky or heavy, so it manages to hydrate and plump my lips without any discomfort,” she says. “Plus, the pink shade is pigmented and lasts so long on my lips, I can even forego my usual lipsticks and lip liners.”
The UV Filters SPF 45 Serum is The Ordinary’s first sunscreen. It offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, as well as hydrates skin and leaves behind a natural, glowy finish, not a white cast. The serum has a lightweight texture and a noncomedogenic formula, plus it layers well with other skin care products and makeup, according to the brand. It’s safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Youth to the People also launched its first sunscreen this month after six years of development. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection, and its chemical-based formula is transparent when you apply it, so it won’t leave behind a white cast. The sunscreen is safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin, plus it won’t clog pores. It’s made from superfood ingredients that are in many of Youth to the People’s other products, like kale, green tea extract, dandelion root, vitamin E, jojoba and bisabolol. Youthscreen, which is lightweight and has a dewy finish, also hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier, as well as improves texture and radiance, according to the brand.
According to Tata Harper, this eye gel is a skin care and makeup hybrid. It’s made with ingredients like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and caffeine that smooth, firm and hydrate the under eye area, as well as pigments that add color to and brighten skin. The gel is lightweight and has a cooling metal applicator tip built-in.
Shiseido latest SPF is a sheer, lightweight mineral lotion you can use on the face and body. It also becomes stronger and more protective when it comes into contact with water and sweat, making it great for those with active lifestyles, according to the brand. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, as well as fragrance-free. The sunscreen is made with ingredients like hydrating algae, soothing licorice root extract and antioxidant-rich botanicals. It’s safe for all skin types.
Self-tanning might be on your agenda before summer is underway, and Dr. Dennis Gross’ new wipes for face and body makes the process easy at home or on the go. The waffle-textured pads are made with AHAs, BHAs, DHA and vitamin E to hydrate, exfoliate and smoothen skin texture, and they help you gradually develop a buildable, transfer-free bronzed glow in under an hour, according to the brand. Your tan will fade evenly over a week, and you can reapply as needed to darken your color. The face pad is smaller in size compared to the body pad.
Loops’ eye patches are some of the best you can buy, and the K-beauty brand’s latest type are infused with niacinamide, caffeine, tranexamic acid, alpha-arbutin and a brightening complex. Together, these ingredients fade discoloration to brighten dark circles, as well as depuff, firm and hydrate skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines, according to the brand. After applying them any time of day, you leave the patches on for about 10 minutes. They come individually packaged.
Lanolips’ Sun Balm SPF 30 protects your lips from UVA and UVB rays. It’s made with a lanolin base (a type of occlusive) and has a slight gold shimmer, as well as a beachy pineapple scent. The clear formula comes in a tube with a built-in applicator.
Simultaneously clean skin and remove makeup with Osea’s noncomedogenic Ocean Wave Cleanser, which you can use on its own or as the first step in a double cleanse. It’s made with undaria seaweed, like many of the brands’ other products, and moisturizing camelina sativa seed oil and soothing bisabolol. The Ocean Wave Cleanser is a cleansing oil, so it’s lightweight, nourishing and non-drying, according to the brand.
Harry’s Plus razor prioritizes comfort during all parts of the shaving experience. The brand redesigned its blades to give you a smoother shave, and refined its precision trimmer to help you better tackle tricky spots like sideburns. Harry’s also upgraded the cartridge, which has a lubricating strip made with aloe and vitamin E, so the five blades are positioned at the optimal angle to evenly disperse pressure and cut hair in the most logical order. The razor’s pivot system helps you guide its blades along your face’s curves, and its weighty handle is ergonomic with a non-slip grip. Harry’s Plus handle comes with two razor cartridges and a travel blade cover, and you can buy refill cartridges separately.
This shaver lifts each hair up from the root to give you a clean, long lasting shave, and it pairs with an app that offers feedback in real time, helping you maintain the ideal pressure level and motions. It has five modes, including foam for wet shaving and intense for thick beards, and a flexing system that lets you reach all areas of your face. The shaver’s stainless steel blades rotate 360 degrees to match the direction of hair growth, and its head has a coating that lets it glide over skin. You can use the i9000 Prestige Ultra with accessories like a UV power case, quick cleaning pod, charging stand and travel care. It’s compatible with attachments like a beard styler, precision trimmer and nose trimmer.
Amika’s Frizz-Fighting Trio includes an anti-frizz treatment, shampoo and conditioner, all of which help you get a glossy, sleek and smooth blowout at home, regardless of your hair type. They’re made with ingredients like sea buckthorn, fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and lipids to nourish the cuticle and lock in hydration, according to the brand. You use the shampoo and conditioner in the shower, and spray the treatment, which doubles as a heat protectant up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, on damp hair before blow drying or diffusing. All products are safe for color-treated hair.
Olaplex’s No.4 and No.5 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner are among the brand’s bestsellers, and recently created new versions for fine and easily weighed-down hair. The No.4Fine and No.5Fine Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner are volumizing and weightless formulas that help strengthen, repair and prevent future hair damage, according to the brand. They also gently remove buildup for a deep clean. Both products are silicon-free and color-safe
Applying Ouai’s Thickening Spray can help make hair look fuller and feel thicker, according to the brand. It’s made with amaranth peptides to increase hair diameter and amino acids to nourish and repair strands, creating volume and body while lifting your roots. The spray also offers heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and you can use it whether you’re heat styling or air drying. The spray doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue and has notes of tomato leaves and wet grass.
Paul Mitchell Clear is a new sensitive scalp hair care line from Paul Mitchell. It launched with four products: the Essential Shampoo, Essential Conditioner, Smoothing Serum and Styling Glaze. They’re all color-safe, according to the brand, made with under 10 ingredients and are free from dyes, fragrances, sulfates, gluten and parabens.
AG1 updated its popular greens powder for the first time since 2016. It now has five probiotic strains to better support gut health and digestion to reduce bloating, as well as additional vitamins and minerals that help with energy, immunity, brain function and mood, according to the brand. The powder comes in a pouch and single-serve packets.
LesserEvil, best known for its popcorn, debuted Cheezmos, crunchy puffs made with gluten-free ingredients like avocado oil, organic cheddar and corn. The snacks come in two flavors, Cowboy Cheddar and Blazin’ Hot Cheddar, the latter of which has a kick. LesserEvil sent a box of Cheezmos to NBC Select’s office earlier this month, and we ate almost all the bags within a week because they’re so delicious and addicting.
Halfday is famous for The Garment Duffel, and now, you can buy a version on wheels. The rolling duffel has a built-in garment bag that you can access without completely unpacking, and it compresses flat if you’re not using it to maximize space. There’s also two shoe compartments, multiple interior and exterior pockets, and top, bottom and side handles. You can use the Roller Bag as a carry-on on most airlines.
Malin tested Halfday Travel’s Roller Bag on a 4-day trip to Mexico (the brand sent her a sample to test). “I’m genuinely impressed by how much I was able to pack in this bag,” says Malin. “I overpacked for my trip, so I brought closer to 5 days worth of clothes, and everything fit perfectly. The built-in garment bag kept my sundresses, rompers and long skirts wrinkle-free in transit, and having a dedicated place to put them freed up space in the main compartment for all my other stuff. I made everyone on my trip watch me unpack and repack my bag — that’s how amazed I was by my ability to fit so much inside.”
Away is making traveling with kids easier by introducing this collection of appropriately sized luggage and bags. The Kids Collection includes a carry-on, backpack, lunch box and packing cubes, all in bright child-friendly colors. The pieces are just as durable, functional and stylish as Away’s standard sized models, according to the brand, who designed them with travel experts and parents. Away also recently launched on Amazon.
Tiami is a new brand founded by the co-founders of Leesa Sleep, a favorite mattress brand of ours. Its first product, the Tiami Mattress, is a luxury hybrid mattress handcrafted in the U.S. NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider has been testing it for the past few weeks after the brand sent her one to try, and it’s been a game changer compared to her Ikea mattress. “I haven’t woken up sore or sweaty, I’ve been tossing and turning less, it feels like sleeping on air in the best way,” says Schneider. The mattress comes in one firmness, with sizes ranging from full to California king.
This vacuum was one of the best gadgets of CES 2025 for one reason: the built-in mechanical arm. The Saros Z70 has a large, articulating arm that can pick up and move small objects out of the way as it cleans. Like other premium robot vacuums from the brand, it can vacuum and mop your home, has advanced home mapping and object detection and comes with a base station for a more hands-off experience.
Coop Sleep Goods’ latest collection of bedding is made with 100% Tencel Lyocell, otherwise known as eucalyptus fibers that feel silky and soft against your skin, according to the brand. You can buy a sheet set, duvet cover and two-piece pillowcase set. Coop also expanded its Cool+ Collection by adding a mattress topper, adjustable body pillow and toddler pillow. The brand says these pieces are cold to the touch, making them ideal for hot sleepers.
The Pod 5 is Eight Sleep’s latest customizable cooling system that you integrate into your mattress setup. It supports two people and is composed of four core products — the cover, hub, blanket and base — which work together. You can manually adjust the blanket and cover’s temperature, play soundscapes through the base and adjust the base’s angle through the brand’s app. Or, let the system do the work for you — for example, the base automatically responds to snoring to elevate your upper body, and the cover and blanket adjust their temperature in real time as they sense that you enter different sleep stages. Eight Sleep added an AI-powered health check to the Pod 5 that monitors data like heart rate and breathing patterns while you’re resting.
Bissell says the cordless PowerClean FurFinder is its most powerful pet-focused stick vacuum yet. It has bright headlights to help you find hair and dirt, a self-cleaning brush roll, a HEPA-sealed allergen filter system and a powerful motor that creates strong suction on all types of floors. The appliance, which is a stick, hand and reach vacuum in one, stands up by itself, and a full battery gives you up to 40 minutes of run time, according to the brand. The stick attachment and main unit have crevice tools built-in, plus you get an upholstery tool and an additional crevice tool with your purchase. The PowerClean FurFinder comes in two models: the standard 4052 and the slightly more powerful 4039.
The Luxe Brewer is the newest generation of Breville’s Precision Brewer drip coffee machine. It has a revamped interface that makes the appliance easier to use, plus temperature controls and three modes, including cold brew and custom brew settings. You can also program brews in advance using the auto-start feature. Notably, the Luxe Brewer has a removable water reservoir with a built-in filter, and each unit comes with a water hardness test strip. That lets you program your machine to local water conditions so it can calibrate its descaling schedule. You can use the machine to make a carafe or brew a single cup, and choose from a dual-wall thermal carafe or a glass carafe.
Culligan’s new line of pitchers and dispensers is made with a ZeroWater five-stage filter that’s certified to remove contaminants like lead, pharmaceuticals and forever chemicals (PFAS) from your drinking water, according to the brand. It comes with a total dissolved solids (TDS) meter, which allows you to test your water before and after you filter it to see how much junk it removed. The pitchers and dispensers have a spot to nestle the TDS meter on their exterior, allowing it to continuously display a reading. You can buy 7-cup and 10-cup pitchers, as well as 22-cup and 32-cup dispensers. All models have built-in LED lights that serve as filter change alerts.
Malin has been testing a Culligan ZeroWater pitcher for about a month. “The included TDS meter shows me that its filter really is working — instead of trusting that it does what the brand says, I have proof to see it for myself,” she says. “I love seeing the high TDS reading of my unfiltered tap water and the zero TDS reading of my filtered water. It gives me a lot of reassurance that what I’m drinking really is clean.”
Fellow is entering the world of espresso machines with this appliance. It automatically controls parts of the brewing process like temperature, pressure and milk steaming, and gives you real-time feedback to help you pull shots correctly. The appliance also has a heating system that keeps temperatures stable while you’re making espresso — it’s comparable to professional-grade commercial machines, according to the brand. The Espresso Series 1 has three shortcut buttons, a color LCD display and a dial to adjust settings as needed.
To round up the best new launches each month, reporters Zoe Malin and Harry Rabinowitz choose products they think NBC Select readers should know about. They include products from brands NBC Select has previously covered, or brands staffers recommend. Malin and Rabinowitz also regularly try new product launches to share their first-hand experiences.
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