Editors’ Picks: The 48 best products we tried and loved in February

As a huge candle person, I love that these coconut and soy Loam Candles smell like the outdoors (think scents like Full Bloom or Herb Bed) while helping you feel connected with nature (even in the city). At the same time, they’re not overpowering, and offer the perfect fresh scent. — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

I was looking for a new piece for my entryway when I stumbled upon this console table from Grandin Road. I picked it up in Black Walnut and have been especially appreciating its spacious top to store my favorite decorative books and more. The silhouette may be simple, but it sure does make a statement! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

This line of triple-clad cookware is approved by the folks behind Gordon Ramsay’s infamous cooking competition — but it’s no gimmick. I got the lightweight five-piece set, with a frying pan, sauté pan, 7.5-quart pot and two glass lids, and I was impressed with its ability to beautifully sear at high heat yet stay nonstick. Just a quick seasoning before I started cooking was all it took to seal the steel grid surface and keep it looking and feeling more like my best cast iron. — Tobey Grumet Segal, editor, reviews

Say goodbye to $6 cups of mediocre cold brew. This affordable cold brew coffee maker is so easy to use and produces fresh and delicious cold brew coffee at home. It has saved me so much money, and you can use any kind of ground coffee you like. I’ve found the coffee less acidic and more flavorful, and one brew can last all week. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

As I write this, I am getting my caffeine fix from my new favorite minimalistic ceramic mug, featuring a semi-matte glaze finish and an ever-so-slightly rounded base. It’s not too heavy, it has an easy-to-grip handle, it actually retains warmth and every tough coffee stain comes right off in the dishwasher (or on days I decide not to be lazy and hand-wash). Most importantly, though, it comes in a set of four, so I never have to go a (Year &) day without one. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

I usually opt for super-plush, spa-like bath sheets, but they always take forever to dry in between uses (and in the dryer post-wash). I tried waffle towels in the past but didn’t love them; they felt like they weren’t doing anything. Brooklinen’s products are different, though: They’re shockingly absorbent despite their thin and lightweight design, and they’re incredibly quick-drying and soft to the touch. I snagged the limited-edition Ocean color, which is now sold out, but there are still a few other colors in stock. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

When I tell you my life changed after I bought this, please believe I’m barely exaggerating. As a perpetually cold person, this towel warmer has been my little slice of heaven on these cold winter mornings. I just pop my towels into the towel warmer right before I hop in the shower, and by the time I come out, they’re warm and toasty. It’s almost like I’m in a luxury spa and not my Brooklyn studio apartment. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor

Apotheke is known for its Charcoal candle, which has a unique woody scent and striking black wax. The brand’s latest iteration, Charcoal Rouge, is a more romantic take on the classic candle. It’s slightly floral, slightly woody and slightly spicy — and its wax is a gorgeous deep red hue. I’d been lighting it as soon as the workday ended every Friday since I got it, and I burned through it before I even remembered to take a picture of it for this article. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

My husband is a huge hip-hop fan and a huge pain to shop for, so for his last birthday, I ordered this archive-quality framed photograph from Sonic Editions. The limited-edition print of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre (1990) — which celebrates the 30th anniversary of Snoop’s debut album, “Doggystyle” — is part of Sonic Edition’s extensive Hip Hop & R&B Collection. You can choose from five different sizes for your choice of photo and three different options for the mount and frame. I also love the other collections, which include things like Fashion Icons, James Bond Prints and The Sport Collection. Also a great choice for a housewarming gift! — Tobey Grumet Segal, editor, reviews

I wasn’t much of a coffee snob until I got Mr. Coffee’s newest espresso machine. Unlike my corner coffee shop that consistently gets my order wrong (not enough foam, bitter beans and a lack of fun flavored sweeteners are just a few of the things that can put a damper on my coffee run), the newest model in the brand’s latte maker lineup allows for a fully customizable coffee experience. I’ve saved so much money DIY'ing my favorite caffeine-based beverages at home, making it well worth the price tag. — Marissa Miller, contributing editor

I’m a huge fan of Lifetime movies, so naturally, I look for books that give me all the drama and suspense you can expect from a good thriller. When I say this book had me at the edge of my seat, I mean it. — Rachel Dennis, editorial coordinator

This year, I committed to making my apartment actually feel like an adult home, and that meant upgrading the seating options in my living room. On the market for a sophisticated solution, I found this leather accent chair from Room & Board. I’ve lusted after many of the brand’s pieces and decided to go with this option, as its design feels timeless. The black leather is buttery soft, and the sturdy, white oak frame perfectly matches my Burrow media console. Although I don’t have a ton of space in my Brooklyn apartment, this chair is the perfect size. It feels wide and deep as you sit in it, perfect for curling up with a book. I love that it looks beautiful but doesn’t sacrifice comfort, making the splurge totally worth it. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

This brow gel has a waxy formula that feels weightless on the brows. You can use the attached brush and comb to create a fluffed-up brow look or a more laminated, slick effect. It’s the flexibility of the product that makes it stand out in my beauty routine, and I can always count on it to help my brows behave. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

I’ve been getting regular gel manicures for a while now, but my go-to nail salon recently closed, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and remove my gel polish at home. And this is a time- and money-saving idea for sure; it left my natural nails so brittle that everyday tasks ended up being painful. To help, I ordered this nail strengthener on Amazon, and it has been a game changer. It goes on clear and shiny, and a couple of coats serve as a protective barrier that makes my natural nails feel strong again. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

Whether my hair is crystal clean or hasn’t been washed in a few days, I simply cannot stand when it’s in my face, which is why I rely on my rotation of cute yet practical headbands — and this one from Emi Jay has become my new favorite. Not only is the bedazzled bow detailing unique and on trend with the TikTok craze, but the band itself is made from soft and stretchy elastic and never slips off of my head. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

This plush, generous towel is not only soft and comfy when I wrap up my long curly hair after a wash but also super absorbent, cutting down my blowout time significantly from a normal bath towel. It also happens to be easy to put on and twist, and most importantly, it helps keep my locks from nasty breakage and my supernemesis: frizz. — Tobey Grumet Segal, editor, reviews

My favorite acne and anti-aging line, Clearstem, came out with a new product this past month — and it’s a true multitasker. It doubles as both a spot treatment to zap whiteheads and painful, under-the-skin breakouts as they arise, as well as a preventative wash-off mask as often as you need. It’s formulated with active ingredients such as sulfur and zinc. I've dealt with acne for years and tried every spot treatment under the sun, and it’s the only one that actually works! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

As someone with naturally straight hair and limited time, I never really put much effort into styling my hair at home — usually I just air-dry and I'm out the door. But the newly upgraded curling iron from T3 is so easy to use that I’ve started curling my hair regularly. With a longer barrel, nine heat settings (less damaging!) and a clip that is effortless to maneuver with one hand, the hair tool is so well designed that I can create bouncy curls in under 15 minutes. I like the 1.5-inch size for creating big, voluminous curls, but it also comes in 1- and 1.25-inch diameters for tighter curls. Not to mention, the sleek white and rose gold makes it look like a beauty tool you’ll want to show off. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

I am truly obsessed with these cuticle oil beads. Usually I find myself with a mess when I try to use cuticle oil, but Bubbeau makes it easy. Because these are individual beads that have fast-absorbing natural oils inside a biodegradable shell, I can see immediate results. I love using them on my nails right after a shower because they smell so good! — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

My skin has been struggling lately due to the dry winter weather. I’ve noticed flaky skin and uneven texture on my face despite slathering on moisturizer. I finally opened up this firming serum from Caudalie in February, and I already noticed a major improvement with daily use in the morning and at night. The craters on my forehead have drastically shrunk, and my foundation is finally looking smooth on my face again! — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

If you, like me, used to spend way too much time looking at beauty YouTube videos in the early 2010s, you no doubt know Michelle Phan. Needless to say, I was stoked to try her makeup line, EM Cosmetics, and these blush sticks have been a standout for me. Though I’ve tried a bunch of different blush sticks, these So Soft sticks are creamier and easier to blend, and they have stronger pigmentation than others in my makeup arsenal. This peachy-pink, chiffon shade has been perfect for achieving that rosy, winter cheek look, and brings a beautiful brightness and warmth to my makeup. I reach for these sticks almost everyday and can’t wait to try them out with more spring makeup looks. — Jillian Tracy, associate editor

I am a huge proponent of using a self-tanner rather than exposing your skin to harmful UV rays, yet I have always struggled with matching my self-tan to my face, then having to constantly switch out foundation shades. So, when I came across these bronzing face drops, I was super psyched to try them out. Thankfully, they feel light on your skin but are also subtly buildable, depending on the shade you’re going for. Definitely a tanning must-have! — Gabriella Triolo, social coordinator

Admittedly, this is more than I’d usually pay for shampoo and conditioner, but a little goes a long way with this product, so I consider this a justification for the price. That, and the fact that my hair feels really soft and healthy after use and I've had a ton of compliments on how shiny my usually damaged hair is. Infused with biotin, vanilla bean and ginseng makes it smell divine, and the packaging is also really cute. — Rachel Quigley, managing editor

I have always had extremely dry lips, and I never leave the house without Aquaphor in my pocket. However, I recently made the switch to the Lanolips 101 Ointment and I’m never turning back. It keeps my lips hydrated overnight, it comes in a plethora of scents and a little goes a long way. If you're battling dry or cracked lips, this will be your new best friend. — Tyler Holender, social strategist

Thicker and more luscious than the OG Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, this body cream is the perfect winter swap. It’s made with shea and Bacuri butters, as well as coconut oil, so it melts into the skin. It keeps my skin hydrated and soft all day, and it smells sweet, warm and utterly delicious. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

This fragrance-free moisturizer has done wonders for my skin, which has been drier than usual since I started using tretinoin, the synthetic form of retinol. Although the consistency is on the thicker side, it doesn’t feel too heavy on the skin, and only a little bit of product is needed to moisturize the entire face. — Rachel Dennis, editorial coordinator

This year, I am really focused on my hair health to keep it thicker, hydrated and healthier, which means I'm changing up a ton of products in my hair care routine and have already swapped my old brush for this one. It’s so gentle on my hair but doesn’t make it any more difficult to brush, and it pulls out noticeably less hair than my old brush and is much easier to clean. — Hannah Lauson, senior digital content strategist

If you’re like me and you tend to wear your earbuds for a good chunk of your day, you’re going to love these new Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. They're crafted to sit comfortably outside your ears, and I loved that I could easily keep them on for meetings, phone calls or even travel, all while getting top-notch audio and hearing the world around me. These also happen to be great for running or other outdoor fitness. — Tobey Grumet Segal, editor, reviews

As I’ve fallen further down the rabbit hole of home theater nerdery — physical media was just the gateway drug that led me to a $450 4K Blu-ray player — I’ve begun testing audio equipment. And I’ve got to give Roku credit: Its Streambar Pro is a solid sub-$200 upgrade. I instantly noticed stronger sound in everything from the roar of the cars in Netflix’s “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” to pop-punk band Charly Bliss’ song “You Don’t Even Know Me Anymore.” The one caveat is you won’t get Dolby Vision or Dolby Atmos, but if you have a TV with an HDMI eARC port, you’ll be able to get the former’s premium HDR spec from other connected devices. — Henry T. Casey, writer, electronics

I recently upgraded my phone case to this gorgeous iridescent option from Case-Mate. I love that I can still see a bit of my iPhone’s purple color through the case, but it’s anything but boring: The iridescent effect makes it look like various shades of lilac and pink. It definitely shows fingerprints and smudges, but I’ve found that the reflective design makes it less obvious unless you’re looking closely. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

A true multitasker, Dyson’s most-advanced air purification device cleans and cools a room at once. I run it throughout the day and night (though not the best for my electric bill), and it’s quiet yet effective, automatically sensing, capturing and trapping pollutants for cleaner air. It also comes with a remote control and an easy-to-use app that allows me to select from between one and 10 fan speed preferences. I usually go with the max speed and auto-rotation feature, because I’m a hot sleeper and love my room ice cold, no matter the season. I’ve owned several other air filters before, but this is hands down the best one I’ve ever used — though, yes, at $750, you’ll pay for what you get. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

I just worked remotely for three weeks in Paris and used this MacBook adapter nearly every day. It was much less clunky than plugging the already bulky MacBook charger into its own adapter, which came in clutch while working from crowded French bistros. — Daniel Rathburn, programming editor

As a musician who's always either performing at or watching concerts, I decided it was finally time to test out some high-quality earplugs to protect my ears — and Eargasm's are easily my favorite so far. Whereas other options I've tried make it hard to hear myself while rehearsing, the Eargasm earplugs feel like nothing's in my ear at all, thanks to both their comfortable fit and excellent sound filters that don't block out the important stuff. The clear design and slick, keychain-friendly carrying case are nice perks too. — Mike Andronico, senior tech writer

I’m not normally a wallet-phone-case type, but I’ve been trying (and enjoying) the new PopWallet+, which is a part of PopSockets’ new Softgoods line. Up to three cards stay firmly in the sleeve, and require a fair amount of intent and effort to remove, preventing accidental ejecting. The case feels nice, and PopSockets notes it’s made of a sustainable polyurethane. It's available in eight colors, with my favorites being Eucalyptus (a dark green) and Pale Lavender (a light purple). — Henry T. Casey, writer, electronics

I’ve had so much fun customizing my looks with these interchangeable earrings. The Essentials I Set comes with emerald cut and ball stud earrings, which you can pair with two styles of ear jackets. The pieces are made with recycled 14-karat gold vermeil, so they look very luxe and elegant. While a bit pricey, I think it’s totally worth it since you can mix and match the set and even use the jackets with earrings you already own. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

There’s no shoe as low maintenance as a clog — just slip it on and go! — and this bestselling style from Rothy’s just got a revamp, thanks to the addition of hemp to the brand’s signature thread made from plastic bottles. I love the look of the tan-and-black Toffee colorway, but I love the feel of these shoes even more: The arch support is downright impressive, and the knit upper is soft as can be. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director

I was starting to dread my commute to the office not for the usual reasons, but because my back and shoulders ached from carrying my laptop and other workday essentials in a crossbody bag. I knew a backpack was the solution, and I’ve been eyeing Calpak’s Kaya style for a while — it’s chic, it's adjustable and it has lots of pockets. When the brand came out with its 17-inch version this past month, I jumped at the opportunity to take advantage of even more space — I’m not what you might call a “light packer” — and am now an extremely satisfied (and pain-free!) backpack wearer. — Chelsea Stone, editorial director

I’ve always known that Vuori makes A+ joggers, but I never tried them for myself until now — and let me tell you, they really are as incredible as everyone says! My favorite part is the super-smooth fabric that feels so luxe against my skin. They have a slim fit and ever-so-slightly cropped leg, though I found that the waistband is a bit baggy, so I always have to utilize the drawstring. They might be my new favorite pants to wear while lounging at home or running errands. — Amina Lake Abdelrahman, home and gifts editor

The cropped sweatshirt and jogger set from Colorfulkoala is so cute and comfortable. It’s made with a smooth, soft modal that feels like a performance fabric. I think it’s a great alternative to pricier options from Lululemon, and it feels just as high quality. The fit on the joggers is slouchy and comfortable but not too baggy, and the coordinating sweatshirt goes just as well with yoga pants. The fact that the pants aren’t too long for my 5-foot, 2-inch frame is definitely a plus too. — Sophie Shaw, associate beauty editor

Just a really, really good pair of pants. — Daniel Rathburn, programming editor

I’m always wearing pajama sets, so I have tried a ton of different brands. This is definitely one of my favorites. The print is adorable and colorful but not too bright. The material is so soft and doesn’t ever pull or cause me to readjust it in the night. I would wear this set everywhere ... if I could. — Hannah Lauson, senior digital content strategist

I spent months looking for the perfect vest and finally found it. I wanted one that was a little oversized but did not feel too bulky so that I could wear it over sweatshirts, sweaters, and some long sleeve tops.This one is also very warm so I have already started wearing it on days where it isn’t freezing this winter but it will be great for spring too over a lighter long sleeve. — Hannah Lauson, senior digital content strategist

When these gorgeous bottles of booze landed on my desk, I couldn’t wait to crack them open. And I am happy to report that both the small-batch rye and bourbon taste just as good mixed in an old-fashioned as they do sipped on ice. And because each spirit is inspired by a retro B movie, I plan on whipping these out for Academy Award cocktails as well (and then saving the colorful bottles for decor). — Tobey Grumet Segal, editor, reviews

I am very particular about my pasta. You will never catch me grabbing the off-brand stuff, and I try to stick to pastas made in bronze dies (yes, it makes a difference!). Rummo is by far the tastiest and most authentic pasta brand I’ve tried so far, and eating it instantly transports me to Italy. Even if you’re not a pasta connoisseur, you’ll appreciate how well the pasta hangs on to your sauce for a tastier meal. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

It may be February, but I’m already thinking about warmer weather. And that means it’s time to pull back on that winter carb-loading. These great-tasting flour tortillas have zero net carbs, and tons of protein and fiber, so I can heap the toppings on a healthy burrito and leave off the guilt. — Tobey Grumet Segal, editor, reviews

If you shudder at the thought of chalky, gritty protein powder, there's finally a solution. Co-founded by Kate Hudson, InBloom powders are my new holy grail — and my go-to is the Green Protein Powder in the chocolate flavor. I also dig the vanilla flavor, as well as the brand’s other offerings, including Beauty Aura. I’ve been mixing these into my daily smoothies and nothing matches the great taste. — Lindsey Smith, associate editor

Teddy, my Cavapoo, has had the same leash and harness for years, so it was finally time to upgrade to something cute, colorful and, of course, practical. I was getting served Instagram ads from Approved by Fritz and decided to see what the hype was all about. After lots of walking and playing over the course of February, I found the colorblock walk set and checkered harness to be durable, easy to adjust, and slip-proof. It can also be worn hands-free, which is a plus! — Stephanie Griffin, social lead

There have been many claims about my favorite water bottle brand containing lead, so as you can imagine, I sprinted to the internet to find the best glass water bottle. W&P’s Wide-Mouth Glass Bottle is a safer alternative that also fits in my car’s cup holder and features a graspable silicone sleeve and leakproof cap, so I can toss it into a bag without worrying. If you, too, can’t drink water without ice, then I highly recommend the brand's Everyday Ice Tray as well. — Stephanie Griffin, social lead