Editors’ Picks: The 45 best products we tried and loved in April

I always have trouble falling asleep and haven’t had much luck finding something that helps. That is, until I started using this Eli & Elm weighted comforter. The weight of this is perfect — it’s not too heavy but not light by any means. It keeps you nice and cozy and you’ll be falling asleep in no time. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

There is no doubt that this Royal Slim ergonomic office chair is a splurge (though it is on sale for over $200 off). But if you, like me, need a chair that will keep your back, hips and legs supported while you work, this is most definitely worth it. Not only is it perfect for all heights and weights but it is also extremely dignified for an office chair and will look good in any room. I got it in the off-white leather, but you can also nab it in brown. —Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

I have all types of coffee makers in my apartment: single-serve coffee machines, pour-overs, French presses and more. I never thought I needed an espresso machine at home, though —?they seemed too complicated to use while I’m sleepy in the morning. But now that I’ve been testing out this new, fully automatic espresso machine from KitchenAid the past month, I can see why these machines are such a luxury. It really does make coffee shop-quality drinks with the press of a few buttons. I never thought I’d be able to make an almond milk cappuccino at home, but it’s so easy with this machine! My favorite part is that my fiancé and I have separate profiles with our favorite drinks, which means I can press even fewer buttons to make my coffee just the way I like it (you can customize the strength, body, temperature, size and more). — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor?

I’d been seeing these candle warmer lamps all over social media for a while, but I always thought they were a gimmick —?until I tried one myself. And now, I’m obsessed. My candles last so much longer because the wax doesn’t burn away, and I don’t have to worry about having an open flame on my nightstand. The warming bulb melts the wax?without any smoke, so the candle scent seems so much stronger. It also gives my room a cozy ambiance. Plus, I appreciate that this model has a built-in timer (two, four or eight hours) and adjustable brightness settings. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor?

This year was the year I decided to enter my calm era, and I’ve been absolutely obsessed with this Homedics Sandscape. It truly is so relaxing to watch, and it’s kept me from endlessly scrolling on my phone. I love setting it up at the end of the day and reading or journaling and just being present in the moment. There are hundreds of designs that can be made, and it’s easy to set up and use with the app. I think it’s also a great gift — especially with Mother’s Day coming up. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Waking up in the morning has always been rough for me. What can I say? A girl loves to sleep. With Hatch’s 2-in-1 alarm clock and sound machine, however, my mornings are now a tad more peaceful. When my alarm goes off, I don’t feel like I’m being violently shaken awake but rather gently shaken out of my sleep. I keep mine on my dresser, where it’s programmed to gradually brighten over a five-minute period and play a tune titled “Joyful Morning.” Aside from being a pleasant wake-up tool, the Restore 2 has also been helping me get a better night’s sleep. Hatch’s selection of sleep sounds, which includes dishwasher and dryer noises, are what I now fall asleep to. — Rachel Dennis, editorial coordinator?

I’m trying to be more climate conscious and buy clean whenever I can or shop at brands that give back?in some way. When I was looking for new bedsheets to try, I came across Ettitude, a certified climate-neutral company that uses regenerative resources like bamboo. According to?Ettitude’s mission statement, the bedding is made using a process?free from harmful chemicals and plastics, so I was instantly intrigued to see if the quality and feel stood up to its competitors. I’m not a huge fan of silk sheets or pillowcases, even though I know it is better for your skin and the latter for your hair, but silk sheets give me the ick. Ettitude’s signature sateen set?is silky soft without feeling like silk, and my body temperature has been consistently perfect throughout the night. They felt so luxurious for a middle-of-the-road price point, and I’ve been recommending these to everyone. —Rachel Quigley, managing editor

I was on the hunt for an unusual end table for my new apartment when I saw this in West Elm in Brooklyn and fell in love with it. I’m so glad I came across it in real life as I’m not sure I would have ordered it by seeing it online. To me, it’s more of a teal color than sage green and goes perfectly with my teal accent chair and gray sofa. It seems way more expensive than $160, and I love that it can also be used as an outdoor table. It is easy to move around with no assembly required and comes in white too. —Rachel Quigley, managing editor

I always struggle with holding my huge water tumblers when I’m hiking or even going for a walk. It gets super frustrating not being able to free up your hands, so when I tried out BrüMate’s hydration pack for the first time I was seriously impressed. It feels lightweight yet holds a ton of water (and keeps it icy cold) for all your outdoor adventures. It even comes with other pockets to put any other belongings in, which was perfect for my phone and keys. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

I threw a previous version of this headlamp into my bag for a recent trip to Ecuador, and I’m so thankful I did. While my version did have some confusing moments where I couldn’t figure out what it was trying to tell me or how I ended up in one mode or another, I still greatly appreciated its bright beam, adjustable angle and multiple modes, whether I was out looking for wildlife on night hikes through the jungle or dealing with unexpected rolling blackouts in town. — Rena Behar, copy editor

Color-changing sunscreens are a new and growing beauty category. Solara Suncare’s Fortune Teller sunscreen comes in two flexible shades that shift to match the wearer’s skin tone while adding a touch of glow (and protecting the skin with SPF 30, of course). It feels like a lightweight lotion and is loaded with skin care ingredients like vitamin C, peptides and hyaluronic acid. I’ve been using it in place of other complexion products and love that it doubles as a sheer tinted moisturizer. Compared to the other popular color-shifting sunscreen on the market from Colorescience, this one offers less coverage and feels lighter on the skin, so I’m anticipating I’ll be wearing this all throughout the summer. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor?

I’ve been using the same perfume (Yves Saint Laurent Libre) for over three years, and no other scents have really caught my attention since like Glasshouse Fragrances Sunsets in Capri. With notes of peach, mandarin and amber, this perfume is super floral and fresh —?and I know I’m going to be wearing it all summer. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor?

On a recent Sephora splurge, I intended to pick up JVN Nourishing Shine Drops. When I spotted the air dry cream, I knew I had to test it out — especially with summer approaching. After applying a healthy dollop to my damp hair, I was truly shocked at how soft and defined my curls became. It even smells like summer with a wonderful blend of grapefruit, tangerine, honey and white florals. Better yet, this product is sulfate- and silicone-free, so I can feel confident I’m not dousing my hair in chemicals. Kudos, Jonathan Van Ness. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

I’ve been prepping for a heatless hairstyling summer, which means it’s time to put down the straightener and pick up moisturizing products. Aveda’s curl-defining primer was carefully crafted for and tested on curl patterns of all types, which means it helps create the bounciest, most frizz-free curls possible. I was amazed at this spray’s capability to eliminate and define my typically untamable curls, all while conditioning my hair in refreshing lemon, bergamot, orange and floral scents. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

On the days I double-cleanse my skin, I’ve been using Mutha’s new Oil-to-Gel Cleanser as the first step. Not only does it leave my sensitive skin feeling clean and not stripped of moisture but it easily breaks down any eye makeup I may be wearing that day. Plus, though free of added fragrances, the cleanser has a lovely floral smell to it that isn’t overwhelming or irritating. — Rachel Dennis, editorial coordinator

While I’m all about investing in a designer handbag you’ll carry the rest of your life, it takes a lot of convincing for me to believe that a designer mascara is worth shoveling out some serious coin. As long as I’ve been wearing mascara, drugstore versions have worked just fine. But when I had the chance to try out Gucci’s L’Obscur Lengthening Mascara, everything changed. The applicator is super precise and easy to apply. Most importantly, as someone who has thin, flat eyelashes, this stuff goes on thick — which is exactly how I want it. Two coats and I’m ready for the day, and three is perfect if I’m dressing up. Will I still buy my under-$10 mascara? Sure, but I’ll throw this one into the mix too. Not to mention it looks chic in my makeup bag and makes me feel fancy putting it on. —Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor

Rare Beauty recently released a new line of luminous blushes, and I knew I had to get my hands on one. I picked up the shade Joy — a “muted peach” — which has a more orange, apricot-like tint than the rest of the blush options, and I’ll admit I was thoroughly impressed with the shimmery finish, medium coverage and buildability of the pressed powder.?This blush is a?great bronzed, summery shade for the warmer days ahead. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

I have curly hair. And like many of us with curls, I don’t particularly like them. Most of the time I use my Dyson AirWrap to straighten things out, but come warmer weather, I tend to go au natural. Which is why I am loving these Curlsmith products, created specifically for folks with all types of textured hair. Though I’m partial to the curl-conditioning oil-in-cream for a leave-in product, I am especially loving this Root Boost Spray, which makes my zigzag curls stand at attention even a day or two after washing. And I can’t wait to throw this in my suitcase for summer getaways as well. —Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

I am extremely cautious about putting any type of at-home color products in my hair because I spend way too much at the salon. However, I made an exception with this new demi-permanent hair color, which simply adds shine and?dimension to any type of hair — even medium brown?with blond balayage, like mine. I used the Cool Blonde, which ended up not only enhancing the darker color but working more like a toner and giving my blond highlights a gorgeous boost. I will definitely be making this a monthly part of my routine between stylist appointments, and you can choose from eight different colors if you want to join the DPHue revolution (and stretch your color out a few extra months). — Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

I’ve been using the Sud Scrub body scrubber for well over a month, and I’m officially a fan. I used to use regular loofahs, replacing them every month like clockwork because they’d get gross and stretched out. But the Sud Scrub is antimicrobial and extremely durable, so it’s designed to last at least a year (and it still looks exactly like it did when I got it). It took some getting used to — mainly because it doesn’t lather as well as a regular loofah — but I always feel clean after using it in the shower. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor?

I’ve been struggling with keeping up with a daily skin care routine, so when I spotted Saie’s foundation that’s considered 85% skin care, I knew I had to give it a whirl. I found it breathable with medium coverage, to the point where it felt like I wasn’t wearing foundation at all. I really love that it’s rich in antioxidants and locks in hydration, thanks to the sugar-derived squalane and Hydrobounce technology. — Carolina Gazal, associate testing writer

I used to avoid mousse because I hated the crunchy feeling most left me with. This one is completely different and gives me a great hold without the crunch. It also smells amazing and is incredibly lightweight while still giving all-day hold. If you have fine hair, it also creates some great volume. A little bit goes a long way, and the bottle will last for months. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I’ve recently upped my skin care routine, but even still, an unsightly blemish appeared the night before I had a photo session to mark my recent engagement. Perfect timing, right? I rushed to Target and found these acne stickers from Hero for just a few bucks, and the overnight patch worked like magic. It was also way less noticeable on my face than expected, so I know the daytime version — which is included in this multi-pack and supposed to be even less visible — will come in clutch if I don't have time to clear things up during a good night’s sleep. — Joe Bloss, editorial coordinator

I cook and bake a lot at home, which means that I’m constantly washing dishes — and my hands — leading to perpetually dry skin and cracked cuticles. After every?application of this cuticle oil, my cuticle bed and surrounding skin look and feel healthy again, the irritation has been erased and I have the added benefit of ensuring that my long, acrylic and expertly painted nails are the focal point rather than dry, irritated skin. The bottle is small, and that’s because a drop or two on each finger means maximum coverage. — Katelyn Gendron, senior SEO manager

Ditching a very bare-bones LG monitor for a gorgeous 4K QD OLED monitor has turned out to be my favorite workstation upgrade of the year. I love this curved monitor so much that it often leads me to break my cardinal work-from-home rule, bringing my butt back to my work chair and desk off hours. Games look fantastic on this 32-inch screen, such as Baldur’s Gate 3 where Astarion’s judgmental smirks render crisply and flaming explosions glow with a perfect warmth. Oh, and on top of its 240Hz refresh rates for fast-moving video games, it packs Dolby Vision, which helped ensure “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” looked correct when streaming on Netflix. And since this panel offers a peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits, make sure you poke through the settings to try out all the high dynamic range (HDR) options. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer

As a self-proclaimed earring junkie —?I’ve got eight piercings and am constantly dreaming of more — I’m always on the hunt for high-quality studs to elevate my ear stack. Because I have so much, um, metal in my earlobes, I like to stick to 14-karat gold so I can sleep, workout and swim in them. I’ve long been a fan of Maison Miru’s affordable jewelry, but the brand’s latest launch just might be my favorite yet. The AAPI-founded brand just dropped these dainty North Star Nap Earrings that are perfect for, well, just as the name suggests: sleeping! Nap earrings are all the rage right now, thanks to the flat backs that don’t poke you while you’re snoozing. They’re made with medical-grade titanium, which makes them suitable for sensitive skin. Most importantly, the push pins actually stay in place (I’ve had other ones fall out) but are easy to take off too. —Tamara Kraus, senior lifestyle editor

I have always been a “meh” tennis player. Sure, I could get on the court and hit the ball, but I wasn’t winning any awards for style or form. So, this year, I decided to invest in both lessons and gear to get my game on point. I went for these nearly fluorescent green AirZoom Nike tennis shoes with two minds: to tap into the trendy tenniscore fashion, which is being driven by Zendaya’s outfits in the new movie Challengers, and to help me better navigate the court without twisting my ankle or throwing out a knee. Priorities, you know? —Tobey Grumet Segal, reviews editor

I recently bought what are now my favorite pants (they’re currently 50% off), which was the first item I purchased from the high-end menswear brand Todd Snyder. Happy with the first purchase and looking at my summer schedule of weddings, rehearsal dinners and other elevated occasions, I decided to splurge on this extremely comfortable and sleek shirt. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve spent more than $100 on a shirt, but I don’t regret it in this case. It looks and feels great, and I plan to wear it long after this summer, when seemingly everyone I know is getting hitched. — Daniel Rathburn, programming editor

As the weather warms up, I’ve been loving this versatile shirt from Royal Robbins. Built with a blend of Modal and polyester, it’s lightweight, breathable, moisture wicking and has UPF 50+ sun protection. It’s the perfect shirt for sunny adventures, and its classic button-down style can truly be worn anywhere from the trails to the taproom. It’s comfortable, stylish and basically the perfect shirt for summer. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors and sustainability editor?

I constantly struggle with dressing for transitional weather, and the set of these pants and matching trucker jacket has finally blessed me with the ability to walk out the door and feel like I nailed it. The Marine color is a perfect medium blue for when you want to start to break away from dark winter colors, it’s so comfortable and it looks good no matter what shirt or shoes you’re wearing. Plus, it’s great for travel, since the pieces work both together and separately. — Rena Behar, copy editor

I have been hearing about Cupshe for a while and seeing their dresses and swimsuits all over my Instagram feed, so I finally decided to give in to the algorithms and order something. Needless to say, they’ve found a new fan. This swimsuit is so comfortable and flattering — especially around the stomach area — and the cut around the bust gives it a hint of sexiness.?I love this pattern and felt so confident wearing it on the beach. I can’t wait to try one of their summer dresses. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor

Come springtime, I take advantage of every sunny day that emerges and swap my usual jeans for a cute dress or skirt. This denim skirt gives the best of both worlds. I opted for the crisp Ecru Patchwork color and love its laid-back vibe. It’s a perfect midi length for pairing with sneakers, loafers, ballet flats or even tall boots. The denim has tons of stretch, which means it has a really comfy fit in the most fitted part of the skirt (waist and hips). I love styling it with the coordinating white denim jacket for a matching set moment, but it can go with anything, really — just like any trusty denim. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor?

I’ve been a longtime fan of Lo & Sons’ backpacks, so when my beloved previous purse bit the dust, I turned to them for a new small crossbody. This one is the ideal size to fit just enough stuff without letting me indulge my overpacking tendencies. I have the Burgundy Cactus Leather version, and it manages to look and feel just as luxe as regular leather, which is especially exciting given that most other “vegan leathers” are just glorified plastic. — Rena Behar, copy editor

New York City summers suck. Commuting to the office when the humidity is frequently as high as 82% is one of the worst things about living here (the worst being?the rent). I personally will never wear shorts to the office (respect?to those that do), so I needed a cool but professional pant that doesn’t look like I’m in vacation mode. This option from Percival fits the bill perfectly. They let my legs breathe, but the?pleats make them look professional enough for the office. I am literally wearing them while I write this. — Daniel Rathburn, programming editor

A cute and comfortable walking sandal is crucial in my line of work. There are plenty of days where I have to bop around to different industry events and appointments around New York City, and the only way I’m surviving to the end of the day is with a comfortable pair of shoes — preferably a sandal in the spring and summer. In the bid to look professional and stylish, without sacrificing my feet to blisters or squished toes, I took these clog-inspired sandals for a spin. They have contoured footbeds for extra comfort and support, platform block heels that are great for adding some height while still feeling solid and stable and embossed leather straps that don’t dig in or rub the wrong way. My favorite part, however, is the grippy thermoplastic rubber sole that is great for traversing the city and feeling secure with every step. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

These stylish, comfy shoes feature a Velcro zip that make them super easy to take off —?plus, I get compliments on them all the time. I never get blisters, they have comfortable soles and the anti-sweat linings make them perfect for the summer (I plan to buy another pair this season). And they go well with pants, skirts, shorts — pretty much anything. — Yana Kharitonova, senior product manager

Although I am (in my humble opinion) a relatively accomplished self-taught home baker, I don’t have anything against boxed cake mix. Most people are used to the typical Betty Crocker mixes you can find at any grocery store, but this Elia olive oil cake mix is a cut above the rest. This prepackaged cake mix actually comes with its own premeasured bottle of olive oil, which is the most satisfying luxury, and makes it extra convenient to throw together. The result is a moist, citrusy cake that my whole family thought I had made from scratch. It’s worth it for anyone still learning how bake but who wants to have a delicious snacking cake on hand for light lunches at all times. — Elisabeth Sherman, associate writer?

I’ve never seen my cat so obsessed with treats until he started getting rewarded with these dental treats. As a pet owner, I love that they’re not simply delicious treats but help with his breath and keep his teeth clean. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

I have a significant amount of wearable breast pump-related trauma and feel very emotionally attached to the wired hospital-grade one I currently rent, so I was hesitant to give the Willow Go, well, a go. Let’s just say my faith in hands-free pumping is officially restored. No longer do I suffer from an ill-fitting pump with weak suction that leaves my ducts at risk of developing mastitis (true story). The Willow Go is far less bulky than other brands I’ve tried, making wearing it in public a simple task under a roomy shirt. Easy to put together, easy to use via the associated app and easy to wash, I wholeheartedly recommend the Willow Go to any postpartum moms looking to streamline the daunting process of pumping and feeding your baby while having the hands to live your life. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor

This group game is my newest obsession for family gatherings and game nights. I don’t think we’ve laughed so much playing a game, thanks to the ridiculous solo and group challenges this game provides. The box comes with everything you need to play: 160 challenge cards, 80 betting tokens, 10 playing cups, five plastic balls, four dice, a set of chopsticks, a tape measure, a sand timer and a memo pad. Have you ever tried to stack dice with playing cups attached to your hands, or have you ever attempted to out-sing someone with mouthwash in your mouth during a Karaoke Mouthwash Battle Royale? Me neither, until I tried this game, and it’s worth every penny (and dishcloth we needed to launder after Mouthwash Karaoke). — Katelyn Gendron, senior SEO manager

When I say I’m an easily stressed-out kind of person, I truly mean it. So, when I got my hands on Speks gel stress-reliever balls, all my days suddenly became worry free. These fidget toys will keep your hands busy and your mind clear, making it one of the best stress-relieving solutions I’ve ever used. You need to get your hands on these (literally). — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

The Briggs & Riley Essential 22-Inch Two-Wheel Expandable Carry-On has become my go-to suitcase for all my travels, and it’s easy to see why. Crafted by Briggs & Riley, renowned for their commitment to quality and durability, this carry-on?has a slew of innovative features such as the expandable compression system and trifold garment keeper. [It provides] ample packing space while maintaining a sleek profile, ideal for navigating through busy airports and fitting into overhead bins. Despite its premium price, the Briggs & Riley Essential Carry-On offers exceptional value with its unmatched craftsmanship and thoughtful design. It’s perfect for savvy and stylish travel. — Kyle Olsen, travel products editor?

Away’s The Weekender bag has quickly become my top choice for short trips. It offers the perfect balance of style and functionality that aligns seamlessly with my frequent travels. Crafted from durable cotton canvas with leather accents, this duffel exudes sophistication while providing ample storage and clever organization features. Its sleek design, complemented by thoughtful details like a padded laptop sleeve and exterior pockets, makes it ideal for weekend getaways and business trips. Despite its slightly heavy weight and size limitations for under-seat storage, the Weekender’s overall quality and versatility make it a great go-to for travelers seeking a reliable and stylish travel companion. — Kyle Olsen, travel products editor?

As a tech and travel enthusiast, I bring a variety (read: too many) of gadgets, chargers, power banks and cables with me on the road. I’ve tried a handful of tech organizers in the past, but this leather dopp kit from Harber London takes the cake as the most stylish. It’s made from genuine full-grain leather (which smells amazing) and has built-in cable organizers that keep cords untangled and easy to access. It’s expensive, but it’s probably the last tech organizer you’ll need to buy if you take care of the leather. — Andrew Kunesh, senior money and travel editor?