Editors’ picks: 40 things our editors tested and loved in April

I’ve been wearing these shoes almost daily since I first got them, and I immediately encouraged my sister and mom to buy them as well. While they’re meant for running, I tested them instead of my normal Brooks running shoes and I didn’t like them as much on the treadmill, so I wear them daily for running errands and pretty much doing anything except running. They’re light and supportive, and they fit my foot perfectly; I now own them in two color variations because I wear them so much. I’d highly recommend these shoes to anyone who needs support but wants something lighter than a HOKA shoe, and for anyone who walks a lot. — Hayley Saltzman, head of social

If you’ve flown with a pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones before, you know the struggle of not being able to watch a film on the seatback entertainment screen. Enter the Twelve South AirFly Duo. The device is a lifesaver for any frequent traveler, as it wirelessly transmits audio from the in-flight entertainment screen to your favorite pair of Bluetooth headphones. It’s super simple to set up and works like a charm. I won’t travel without it again! — Emily McNutt, senior travel editor

I never thought I’d discover my “holy grail” bedding after testing dozens of different brands over the years and not really loving anything, but here I am. My bed, which I often refer to as a fluffy white cloud, is currently made up of 90% Cozy Earth products — and the most recent addition to my collection is this silky-soft, queen-size comforter. It’s lightweight and cooling, yet it still keeps me warm and cozy when the temperature dips (and when my partner inevitably opens the window at night). The only downside is that I can never get out of bed in the morning! — Stephanie Griffin, senior digital content strategist

Winged eyeliner has been my go-to beauty look for years, but even with experience there are days when I struggle with making the cat-eye flicks symmetrical or I can’t get the lines sharp enough. This pen is essentially an eyeliner eraser that cleans up any mistakes or smudges without having to start over completely. It’s super easy to use — it looks like an eyeliner pen, but it dispenses a tiny amount of makeup remover instead — and even helps with waterproof liquid
liners. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

The EarFun Air Pro 2 might cost less than $80, but you wouldn't necessarily know that just by wearing them. These budget earbuds make very few sacrifices for the price, offering great sound quality, all-day comfort and truly excellent battery life, a combination that made it easy to ditch my much more expensive Beats Fit Pro for a few days. — Mike Andronico, senior tech writer

I recently completed my biannual closet swap (in which I shove all my winter clothes under my bed and take out all my warm weather clothes for spring and summer) and was genuinely surprised at how much these storage bins could fit. I managed to cram several puffy jackets into just one! And even though they’re typically hidden under the bed, they’re easy on the eyes when they do make an appearance. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

I switched to the Solo Loop watch bands for my workouts, and this Mineral Green color has been in my regular rotation. I switch out my watch band every morning when I go for a run, and I love how easy it is to slip this one on. If you order, be sure to size down a bit — I initially had a bigger size and it fits perfectly now that I sized down! — Hayley Saltzman, head of social

This new liquid brow wax (it has the consistency of a gel) has quickly become one of my favorite brow products. The tube is more sizable than similar products from Glossier and Benefit, and the cap also hides a brow brush and comb so you can push your brows into place before applying the wax with the spoolie end for the laminated brow effect. After I fill in my brows, this product keeps them in place all day with a clear yet strong hold that doesn’t get crunchy. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

I have never used any sort of Swedish dishcloth, but I finally got a pack from Who Gives A Crap, the brand behind our favorite eco-friendly toilet paper. Made from FSC-certified cellulose and repurposed cotton, they’re insanely absorbent and made my weekend-long spring cleaning session easy and low waste. They’re also just a joy to look at, and I can feel good about my purchase since 50% of Who Gives A Crap’s profits goes to charities working to provide clean water and toilets to communities around the globe. — Kai Burkhardt, associate editor

Growing up with West Indian parents, I grew up eating meals with a wide range of spices. All my life I’ve always grabbed a bottle of hot sauce to spice up even the spiciest of dishes. So honestly, I was skeptical of trying Hillside Harvest’s hot sauces, but when I found out the founder was Jamaican like me, I had to put this to the test — and my expectations were exceeded. My favorite sauce from the brand’s collection is the Sun-Kissed Tomato Hot Sauce. The flavor is light enough to please those who are spicy lovers like myself but mild enough for those who want to add a little zest to their meals. I recommend trying this sauce on your tacos or french fries, and you can thank me later. — Sarai Thompson, social coordinator

Let me start by saying that I have extremely dry skin due to almost a year on Accutane, which left me with uncomfortable dry patches all over my body — but thanks to this Osea oil, they’ve completely disappeared for good. This oil, which is packaged in a gorgeous glass bottle, is formulated with powerhouse healing ingredients like undaria seaweed, acai and passion fruit. And when I tell you my skin has never felt so soft and smooth or looked so supple and glowy, I truly mean it. Also, it’s a nongreasy and fast-absorbing formula, and the smell is intoxicating. — Stephanie Griffin, senior digital content strategist

I was able to test the TheraFace Pro before its launch this month, and it has remained a consistent part of my beauty routine since I got my hands on it. The multi-use device has so many attachments and options that it can deliver exactly what my face needs on a day-to-day basis. If I’m feeling puffy or swollen, the microcurrent attachment helps lift and sculpt. If my temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is extra intense, the percussive therapy helps relax my jaw muscles. If my skin is looking dull, the LED therapy gives a little boost. It feels like a beauty treatment that’s rooted in wellness. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

Here’s something I didn’t know I needed: a doormat that doubles as an activity. The Tile Mat already looks pretty sleek with its hexagonal pattern, but the main draw here is customization: Pick up colorful little hexagons and use them to create pictures, write words or just generally decorate your mat. It’s fun to do too, akin to putting together a puzzle. I started off with two colors of additional tiles, but I can definitely see myself scooping up more and swapping out designs seasonally. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

I was long overdue for a pots and pans upgrade since I've been using the same ones since college. In my quest to find the perfect pot to make pasta in, this one has been the star. The handle doesn't get too hot, the cover actually helps insulate the heat so water boils faster and it's just the right size for making pasta for one or two. It also cleans so incredibly quickly; the sauce always slides right off. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

Using a controller for playing games on your phone has long been a frustrating process of clunky peripherals and laggy wireless connections, but the Backbone One finally solves that problem. This accessory turns your iPhone into a full-on, Nintendo Switch-like gaming machine, with sturdy, console-quality controls that make it perfect for the bevy of games on the App Store and the growing number of game streaming services out there. But what really brings it all together is the Backbone app, which funnels all of your games from different services into one central location that makes it easy to start playing with a single click. — Mike Andronico, senior tech writer

I’ve been searching for cargo pants because I love the utilitarian look of the trend, but because I’m petite — 5 feet 2 inches — and getting pants hemmed is a hassle, I hadn’t found any that worked with my proportions. This pair from Free People’s activewear line ended up being perfect, with a high-waist fit and cuffable hem that makes them just the right length. I sized down and got an XS because they have a relaxed, oversize fit and a stretchy waistband. The material is lightweight, not too see-through for being white (although not completely opaque), and the low placement of the pockets is actually more flattering than other cargo styles I’ve tried. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

I got highlights for summer, and my colorist recommended this “liquid gold” to help with color damage and keep my hair from looking dry and frayed. I have used it several times since bleaching my hair, and I see why it’s the new product every colorist seems to be recommending. It’s easier to use than Olaplex because you simply leave it in your hair after the shower, and it seems to add a nice softness and strength after use. — Hayley Saltzman, head of social

Spring has sprung, which means it's time to mix some refreshing cocktails in my favorite Riedel highball glasses. I like to pack them with mint, cut citrus and ice, then layer gin, rum or tequila with soda, tonic or juice — or I just put them out for water or seltzer. No matter what you pour, these glasses look great in any setting. — Tobey Grumet, contributing editor

I have lost hundreds — if not thousands — of bobby pins in my lifetime and was getting tired of the flimsy cardboard most come on. During a Target run, I saw this bobby pin case by Scunci and haven’t lost one yet. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I’m really picky when it comes to sunscreen. Like, really picky — I don’t even like the much-beloved Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen for everyday wear. I have acne-prone skin and bangs, so I don’t want anything that will make my forehead at all oily. Thankfully, the Korean skin care brand Isntree came to the rescue, offering SPF 50+ and an almost-instantaneous clear matte finish. If you live in New York City, you can pick up this sunscreen at the store oo35mm in Chinatown (it also sells the Sunprise watery light sunscreen, another option I love), but otherwise it’s conveniently available on Amazon. — Caroline Curran, associate editor

Dolce Vita is hands down my favorite shoe brand because it's equally trendy and affordable. And at the moment, my new favorite pair happens to be these effortlessly chic, all-black sandals, which I can confirm are super comfortable to walk around in. Seriously, I walked the streets of NYC in these for too many hours to count, and not a single blister as a result! I also love that this sandal is simple enough to wear every day, but the 1.2-inch heel and double straps add a little extra oomph if you want to dress them up. Best of all, even after putting them to use over the course of this month, they still look as good as they did when I first got them. — Stephanie Griffin, senior digital content strategist

It's hard to remember a time when I was more enthusiastic about a piece of clothing. Given that I work from home, I take cozywear extremely seriously. And this jumpsuit sweatsuit has completely stolen my heart. Not only is it cute enough to wear to brunch or my local bagel spot, it's also perfect for doing absolutely nothing. The best kind of clothing there is! The color is adorable and I've even gotten stopped on the street by people asking me where I got it. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

I love dry shampoo so much and am always looking for a new kind to try out. The R+Co Spiritualized piqued my interest because it’s a mist instead of a powder. It not only smells great but also makes my hair look refreshed and feel clean. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I have been drinking this digestion mix from Sunwink first thing every morning, and I love it! It has a super-bright, light lemony flavor, and I love the taste — plus, it is less harsh on my stomach first thing in the morning than coffee. If you like tart flavors, this is a great product! — Hayley Saltzman, head of social

I am the absolute biggest fan of The Skinny Confidential podcast, so you can probably imagine my excitement when I found out I got to test out its cult-favorite, all-aluminum ice roller for work. First of all, the way this thing looks is just a whole vibe — no explanation is needed. Secondly, it gets cold faster *and* stays cold longer than the $16 Amazon ice roller I’ve been using for years — and the results are immeasurable; after use, my face instantly looks de-puffed, tighter and glowy, and any red marks from pesky blemishes appear brighter. I officially tossed my old ice roller and religiously use this every morning and night. Bonus: You can also purchase the cutest little sleeping bag for your ice roller to keep it protected, pristine and clean! — Stephanie Griffin, senior digital content strategist

My friends have raved about Nudestix Nudies, and it was about time I tried them out for myself. The convenient packaging, which includes a brush, makes it great to throw in your bag for touch-ups. It has a rich color payoff while still looking natural. Plus, it pulls triple duty as blush, eye shadow and lip color. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I haven't been shy about my love for Cuup. As a 32H bra size, the brand has been revolutionary for me, and this month I tried not only the new colorways — the bright blue and soft blue — but also the Scoop silhouette, which is hands down the most comfortable bra I've ever worn. Made with a buttery-soft fabric that gives you both nice support and shape, it's changed the game for me from here on out. For all the large-busted and small band-size people out there, check out this brand. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

I’m usually a matte lip kind of gal, but this new Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm by Hourglass has me rethinking everything. It glides on so smoothly, looks perfectly shiny, feels super hydrating and is accompanied by a pleasing menthol-like tingly taste/feeling. My favorite shade is Thrill, a bright red that’s just bold enough. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

If you’re a regular Underscored reader, you’ve probably seen me recommend MZ Wallace bags before — they’re just *that* good. I’ve particularly been loving the Pippa recently, because it looks super cute and compact, yet it's deceivingly spacious. The timeless crossbody features five (yes, five!) interior compartments and a zip-top closer, and it even comes with a detachable strap if I ever feel like using the bag as a clutch. I also love how lightweight it feels (sometimes I forget I even have it on!) and that it’s made with 100% recycled materials. Need I say more? — Stephanie Griffin, senior digital content strategist

It's hard to find a ring that I not only want to wear every day but remember to wear every day, and this one does both. Simple enough to go with any outfit and cool enough to actually heighten it, I've worn this ring every single day since I got it. It's withstood plenty of hand-washing and hand sanitizer already too. — Rachel Lubitz, senior lifestyle editor

At this point I have pretty much recommended every Ceremonia product, and that’s because I truly love every single one I try. I just started using the Curl Activator in the past few weeks, and it’s a great second step in my air-dry hair routine. I recently used it while on a bachelorette party and got so many compliments on my hair — all I had done was a quick towel dry, a “scrunch” and then the Pequi curl activator! The scent is also just as good as the rest of the Ceremonia scents, and it leaves my hair feeling styled without weighing it down. — Hayley Saltzman, head of social

These pizza bites are my new favorite snack, meal and quick lunch! I have tried every single flavor at this point, and each one is tastier than the next! I pop these in the toaster oven and have a crispy, hot, nostalgic and somewhat healthy meal ready with zero effort. These are very filling and tasty, and I can't wait to try any other flavors that come out. — Hayley Saltzman, head of social

Before I even knew what this thing was, or how it worked, I wanted to buy it because of the cute compact purple tub it came in, but boy is this lip scrub life-changing if you’re prone to dry lips like I am! It *actually* smells like coffee and glides on gently and easily like a balm. It seriously works to remove any dead skin, and after use, my lips instantly look and feel smoother. Pro tip: Use this lip scrub before you apply your lipstick or lip gloss. You will thank me later! — Stephanie Griffin, senior digital content strategist

I am unfortunately wearing a hand brace for the next few weeks, which is inconvenient enough when your job requires you to type all day. But by far the greatest adjustment I’ve made in light of my new accessory is picking up the Logitech Lift — in fact, I wish I’d gotten it before my injury, as it probably would have helped me avoid the brace altogether! It feels light-years better on my hand and wrist than my old Magic Mouse (sorry, Apple), and — I’ve never said this about a mouse before — it’s downright cute in a rosy pink hue. Obviously, I needed to get the matching MX Keys Mini keyboard too, and I’m equally impressed with it. No wonder the Lift is our pick for best vertical ergonomic mouse. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

I am beyond picky when it comes to body care, but after consistently testing out this scrub over the course of April, I can say it’s been awarded a permanent place in my shower caddy. Not only is it formulated with some of my all-time favorite anti-inflammatory ingredients like vitamin C, tea tree oil and more, but it’s also a multiuse product (you can use it on your scalp and body) that works to reduce dead cell buildup, eliminate ingrowns and promote healthy hair growth. It doesn’t have that overly perfumy scent I often hate in skin care products, and I’ve been loving using this before self-tanning or shaving. My legs have never felt softer! — Stephanie Griffin, senior digital content strategist

I will try any product that claims to help with under-eye circles, and I have been pleasantly surprised with this one. I notice a clear improvement in under-eye puffiness after use, and the light reflecting particles in the product make my under-eyes noticeably brighter. I use this before applying makeup and it's a new favorite! — Hayley Saltzman, head of social

Mint is typically a flavor I look for in gum, not scented candles, but this Cipres Mint Candle from Courtney Cox’s aptly named home line, Homecourt, ended up being the exact refreshing smell I was after for spring. I’m also obsessed with its minimal aesthetic; I’m already sure that I’ll hold onto the kiln-fired ceramic vessel once I’ve burned through the candle. — Chelsea Stone, senior editor

I’ve seen this women-owned brand all over my Instagram feed lately, and I can confirm that it lives up to the hype. I tested (and obsessed over) this lightweight, silky and slightly oversized bright green-striped set this month and truly plan on wearing it all spring and summer long. It can be dressed up or down, or even mixed with other pieces in my wardrobe, making it super versatile and worth the splurge. I currently have some of the brand's other pieces in my cart right now! — Stephanie Griffin, senior digital content strategist

I looked high and low on the internet for the perfect everyday bra and finally settled on the Sieve Cutout Bra from Negative Underwear earlier this month. Initially I was skeptical of the mesh fabric, thinking it might snag or have an athleticwear feel, but it doesn’t. The bras are soft, stretchy and lightweight — perfect under everything from tees to dresses. For anyone with a small- to medium-size bust who likes to avoid wearing underwire bras whenever humanly possible, these are a perfect solution. — Caroline Curran, associate editor

I have a strict “no shoes” policy in my apartment and wanted something a little more breathable than your standard slippers to walk around in. I recently discovered Terrelique’s Relaxation Slippers and love them. They’re recycled and fully recyclable and are also ethically made. There are a lot of dupes out there, but the real thing is worth it. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor