It’s safe to say that September is equal parts stressful and exciting. It’s the month of seasons: back to school, football and flu shots. But it also encompasses the official start of fall and the festive activities and hobbies that come with all of the “-ber” months. Amidst the fall baking, dorm move-ins and tailgates, September also proved to be a great month for us to discover some new products here at NBC Select.
We test hundreds of products throughout the year, and this month we tried out hyaluronic acid serums, whitening toothpastes, fitness weights, pet beds, coffee makers and more. Since we test so many items, we don’t always have the perfect story planned for every one, so this column is a way to highlight some of the best items we think everyone else should know about.
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Cory Fernandez, commerce editor
I’ve been in the market for a hydrating serum, so my dermatologist recommended the brand Aestura, which makes one of my favorite moisturizers. It’s a combination of hyaluronic acid, which keeps the skin hydrated, glycerin (a humectant) and ceramides, which help to improve and maintain the skin barrier. I put it on right after I get out of the shower and before I put on moisturizer. It doesn’t have a scent or greasy texture, dries fast and makes my skin look significantly brighter in the morning.
My previous face trimmer broke down on me, so I was looking for a new option before Meridian asked me if I wanted to try a sample of The Trimmer Original, a water-resistant electric face and body trimmer. I’ve tried it for a few weeks and I love everything about it. It’s incredibly lightweight, especially compared to similar options. Plus, it trims hair unbelievably fast, so I don’t have to make multiple passes on my face (which usually irritates my skin). It also comes with a small brush to clean the trimmer and three reversible guards, so I can trim to different lengths: 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 millimeters.
I love trying out whitening toothpastes, and while I have a few favorites I always recommend to others, I hadn’t tried this one from Opalescence. The brand sent me a sample of this toothpaste, along with their whitening strips, to try, and so far I’m loving the experience. I love the spearmint flavor because it isn’t too strong and doesn’t burn. It also doesn’t irritate my teeth and gums, especially when I brush with it after flossing.
Nikki Brown, SEO editor
I’m not a huge fan of protein powder, but since protein shakes are harder on my bank account, I’m learning to like it. I love, love, love Koia’s protein shakes, so testing their vanilla protein powder, a courtesy sample from the brand, was a no brainer. The flavor is strong but it doesn’t completely overpower the other ingredients in my fruit and veggie smoothies. The texture of the final product is smooth and rich, not clumpy.
I have been washing my way through a pile of bar soap over the past couple of months. Most are perfectly fine and nothing to write home about — only one has truly stood out from the pack. I don’t know much about goat milk except that it’s a very popular bar soap ingredient and now, I know why. My skin has never felt softer, and that’s before I even put on lotion. My skin doesn’t feel sticky or dry after I rinse off. Even the bar soap itself is crazy soft. It glides across my body beautifully without a washcloth and there is a fragrance-free option so I don’t have to worry about the scent clashing with my other products.
I’m pretty loyal to my yoga mat, so Stakt’s popular foldable version has never been on my wishlist. The Stakt adjustable weights, however, are. I declared 2025 my “health is wealth” year and have made great progress with my at-home workouts, thanks in part to adjustable dumbbells. The other set I own is great, but too heavy for some of the workouts I’m doing. I needed something lighter that still challenged me and the courtesy sample Stakt sent to me solved that problem. The 2-6 pound pieces aren’t bulky, the twist on-off design is foolproof and they are small-space friendly. I got them in sage green to match my Bala bangles and love combining all four pieces to break a sweat.
Kalohe Danbara, NBC Select intern
This cream is my favorite skin care product to use when I don’t feel like putting on makeup, but still want to look awake and put together. It’s the ultimate “no-makeup” makeup product that’s a blush and moisturizer all in one. It has hyaluronic acid and shea butter that soften and hydrate my skin, plus the rose glow color adds such a pretty, subtle color to my cheeks.
Caitlin Cusack, associate social media editor
As much as I love summer, I’ve decided to embrace the fall weather — starting with my wardrobe. I was looking for a comfortable pair of boots without a super high heel, so I bought these from Amazon after a friend recommended them to me. Since buying, I’ve had no need to break them in, no blisters and no aching whatsoever. I even wore these boots to an all-day music festival and my feet felt comfortable the entire time. They’re wide calf-friendly, affordable and super cute for fall.
I’ve been a Stanley fan for years, but I haven’t taken my 40-ounce tumbler farther than the kitchen. I usually opt for a more travel-friendly water bottle for work or the gym, so I was very excited when Stanley sent me the ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler to try out. This bottle is basically leak-resistant, even when it’s completely flipped over, so I’ve been able to throw it in my work bag and gym bag without having to worry about it spilling. It can also keep my ice cold for at least 12 hours — sometimes even a full 24.
Dyson sent me a sample of the newest version of the Airwrap to test out, and I’ve been using it almost daily for the last six weeks. I was super impressed by the new round volumizing brush, which is made entirely of rubber bristles that don’t tug at my hair or cause breakage. The motor is more powerful than the original Dyson Airwrap, according to the brand, so I noticed that my drying time was much faster than usual. Plus, you can connect your Airwrap to the Dyson app, which gives personalized styling recommendations based on your hair profile. It’s definitely a hefty investment — $750 is a lot of money for a hair tool. But if you have frizzy hair and style it often like me, it could be worth the money.
Mili Godio, updates editor
I have a serious obsession with this blanket. I had heard about it nonstop on social media, so when the brand reached out with an opportunity to give it a try, I had to say yes. Now, it’s one of my favorite things in my house. As a homebody who loves a cozy night in, I’ve tried dozens of blankets — but this one absolutely blew the competition away in terms of softness and comfort. It is the softest blanket I’ve ever owned (and I don’t say that lightly), plus the neutral color is stylish and chic. I admit I’ve started cranking up my air conditioner so it’s cold enough to throw it on at all times.
Having soft, hydrated skin is one of my biggest skin care priorities. So, I make sure to exfoliate my body several times a week, and this Soft Services buffing bar is my favorite product to use right now. It has tiny microcrystals that polish away dead skin and reduce any texture, but they’re not too harsh or abrasive, which is a huge plus for my sensitive skin. I love using it right before bed because it makes me feel smooth, soft and glowy. Plus, its citrus and vanilla scent smells divine.
I’ve been a loyal Levi’s fan since middle school, and the styles and fits from the brand just keep getting better over time. I bought these jeans during Levi’s Labor Day sale this month and they’ve been one of my favorite purchases of the year. I’m not a big low rise fan, but the fit of these jeans is incredibly flattering. The brand recommends sizing up and I’m so glad I did: They’re slightly baggy and have a wider leg, but I don’t feel like I’m swimming in them.
Zoe Malin, reporter
I broke my own shopping rule: I didn’t wait until October Prime Day to buy a small kitchen appliance. My single-serve coffee maker broke halfway through the month, and I cannot function without my morning cup of joe, so I had to make an emergency exception. I’m a Keurig girl through and through, which led me to get the K-Slim since it’s constantly an NBC Select bestseller and doesn’t take up much space on my counter. I set it up in minutes when it arrived, and I absolutely love it because it’s so simple. It has three brew sizes and a descale setting, plus its removable reservoir holds up to 46 ounces of water, enough for multiple cups. That’s really all there is to it. I can make coffee when I’m half awake, and it’s surprisingly quiet when it brews.
In her ninth month of life, my puppy Mabel has developed a bizarre quirk: she hates zippers. And I don’t mean she barks or digs at them — it’s her life’s goal to bite at them until they’re no longer functional. I’ve unfortunately had to replace numerous things in my home over the past few weeks because of this, including her bed. I went on a hunt for a dog bed that was similar to her old one, minus the zippers. I settled on this zipper-free option from Balance because it has a round donut shape with high walls, which lets her curl up in the center. It’s also machine-washable and covered in a super soft fabric. Mabel is obsessed with her new bed and sleeps in it for hours every day. She’s even started a collection of toys and bones inside it.
TikTok must have served me 100 ads about these bed sheet organizers last month, and they worked. I’m happy to report that they’re even more incredible than I had hoped. I loosely fold up a set of sheets (a top sheet, fitted sheet and two pillow cases), place them in the center of this organizer, zip up the center, fold in the sides and put it on my shelf. There’s a spot for a label and a window on the side of the organizers, so I always know what set is inside. My closet looks so tidy with these organizers lined up inside, and I’ve recommended them to literally everyone I talk to now.
NBC Select updates editor (and fellow dog mom) Mili Godio recommended I get these for my 8-pound puppy, and I’m now on my second bag. They’re my go-to training treats (a.k.a every day treats since training a puppy is a full-time affair) because they’re tiny and only 1.5 calories each. They’re also soft and chewy for her little teeth, plus I can easily break them in half if I want to. I carry these dog treats around with me at all times to reward good behavior, and even though I give her more treats in a day than I’d like to admit, one bag lasts me months since there’s 500 pieces in each one.
Jem Alabi, editorial operations associate
My old trash can was on its last legs: impossible to clean, faded and wouldn’t close without a dramatic slam. This new trash can is a total upgrade. Its sleek, square shape allows full trash bags to fit perfectly in my apartment’s compact trash receptacle. The removable liner and raised base makes bag changes effortless, and the reflective finish resists dust and fingerprints better than any other can I’ve used. The real bonus comes from the way the can controls odors, so no smell ever lingers.
As I mentioned in last month’s edition, I am a fragrance lover desperately trying to escape “Vanilla-ville.” I want to convey my vibe accurately as a working woman who wears glasses and hangs frames instead of posters these days.
Summer may be ending, but I’m not a huge fan of fall scents. While wearing many layers, trudging through snow and that special New York smell, I like to smell fresh, something that reminds me of the sunshine. Citrus has always been my favorite note, yet so many perfumes veer into sterile cleaning product territory. This one strikes the balance perfectly: mature and sweet but never cloying. Think more rind than fruit, more zest than juice. It truly feels like the ocean (and an Aperol Spritz) is nearby.
Harry Rabinowitz, reporter
I’m always tinkering with my bike, trying out new parts or new ways to carry things like my phone and snacks. I’ve been preparing for longer rides in 2026, so I reached out to Ortlieb, a popular bike accessory maker, who sent me its Fuel Pack bag to try out. Long story short: I think it’s pricey, but one of the best top tube bags you can get.
It can easily hold essentials I might want to access while riding like my phone and many snacks. I find the flexible magnetic lid just as easy to access as zippered alternatives I’m used to testing. It attaches with included straps or you can bolt it onto your bike’s braze-ons (if it has them).
I’ve been testing the Nikon Z5II since the brand loaned me a unit for review in April, when the product launched. I enjoyed the camera so much that I ended up buying one for myself — something that I almost never do after testing a product.
It’s an incredible value for the features you get, and you get a lot of features. There are so many advanced options, settings and tools built-in that I know the camera will never be a limiting factor in my work. I can easily take fantastic photos of almost anything with the Nikon Z5II, people, animals, vehicles, nature, products, you name it, especially paired with the Nikkor 24-120mm f/4 S lens. The Z5II was priced at $1699 when it launched in April, but tariffs have sadly increased that price to $1849 — I still think it’s an excellent value, just a little less so now.
Lindsay Schneider, commerce editor
I’ve been a Clarins fan for as long as I’ve been paying attention to my skin. I grew up wearing it and watched my mom use it daily for years, so I have a strong affinity for the brand. I find the products effective, nonirritating and best of all: not gimmicky. They don’t have splashy claims or pretend using their product will give you a nonexistent face lift. This serum is the perfect example of that. I’ve been using it day and night since they sent it to me and I’ve genuinely noticed a difference in how glowy my skin looks. I’m on the dry side and never seem to have that signature Hailey Bieber dewy look, but using this is the closest I’ve come to looking glossy and hydrated. I have very sensitive, fair skin and it has tolerated the vitamin C in the serum really well. If you’re sleeping on Clarins, this is a great product to try.
Riley Atkinson, page
I despise my Apple alarm. Even the most gentle option jolts me awake with an on-edge feeling as I start each morning. So, I recently decided to invest in a Hatch alarm clock because several of my friends rave about it. I can attest that the steady increase of light and peaceful alarm sounds have truly made each wake-up call much easier.
I’ve been a loyal fan of Barefoot Dreams blankets for the past few years, and I’ve repurchased their classic throw three times instead of branching out to other brands. But when ChappyWrap sent me this blanket, it quickly became a staple because of the beautiful print and perfectly oversized dimensions. I know I’ll use this blanket often during the cooler months, so I love that it’s machine-washable.
I’m very diligent about applying hand sanitizer (especially during flu season), so this Touchland hand sanitizer has become my new go-to. I love the portable spray bottle and fresh rainwater scent. Other hand sanitizers leave my hands feeling dry, but this option is actually hydrating.
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Why trust NBC Select?
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Select, where I write about home and kitchen appliances and several sale events such as Prime Day. I also write this column about what our editors bought every month.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
- Cory Fernandez, commerce editor
- Nikki Brown, SEO editor
- Kalohe Danbara, NBC Select intern
- Caitlin Cusack, associate social media editor
- Mili Godio, updates editor
- Zoe Malin, reporter
- Jem Alabi, editorial operations associate
- Harry Rabinowitz, reporter
- Lindsay Schneider, commerce editor
- Riley Atkinson, page
- Why trust NBC Select?
