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NBC News
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
Here's everything our readers added to their carts in June
Summer is officially here, which means our NBC Select readers have been stocking up on travel accessories, SPF and a ton of personal care essentials to look their very best, whether for an upcoming vacation, nights out or gatherings with friends and family. You'll notice our bestsellers list is full of sunscreens, and for good reason: This month, we launched our list of 100 best face sunscreens, which involved a six-week period of our editors powering through breakouts, sunburns and skin irritation while testing over 110 SPFs. But our summer-friendly (and heat wave-adjacent) product testing didn't stop there — we also rounded up our editors' favorite AC units, fans, deodorants and portable speakers, to name a few. Read on for a full list of the bestsellers NBC Select readers shopped in May. June bestsellers Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen $22.45 $28.00 Amazon Now 20% off $24.99 Ulta $24.99 Target What to know This Round Lab sunscreen earned the No. 1 spot on our list of 100 best face SPFs. It has a silky, creamy consistency and a subtle scent. 'As someone with sensitive skin who leans on the drier side, my favorite thing about the Round Lab formula is that it's genuinely soothing and feels like I'm wearing a thin layer of hydration on my skin — so much so, that I don't have to layer on my regular moisturizer,' says NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez. The sunscreen has niacinamide to brighten and calm skin, along with amino acids and minerals to reduce texture and inflammation, according to the brand. This viral tumbler is a favorite among our editors — you'll find it at nearly every one of our desks. I use mine every single day, and its stainless steel interior manages to keep my drink cold for hours (I'll even have unmelted ice in my water more than two hours after I poured it). Plus, I love that the bottom of the bottle is compatible with many cup holders, like the ones in my car and on my treadmill. Three Sun Bum sunscreens made our 100 best SPFs list, including this face lotion. It has a classic sunscreen scent, but it isn't overpowering and didn't make our editors' eyes burn. 'It blended into my skin, including the short facial hair I have, very seamlessly and didn't leave any residue around my hairline,' says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez, who notes this sunscreen is a reliable drugstore option. Many of our editors consider these their go-to whitening strips plus they're one of the only ADA-accepted teeth whitening strips to date. After using the strips a few nights in a row, NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin says her teeth look brighter and whiter, which she says is impressive since she drinks coffee and Diet Coke every day. They're easy to take out of the packaging and they fold over toward the back of your teeth, so they stay put over the 45-minute application period. Calling all Lego lovers: This giftable kit is the size of a small storage box and has enough space to hold all of its 484 pieces. The set comes with flat baseplates and cube-shaped interlocking pieces, small wheels for building trains and cars, pieces for making animals and more, all in 35 different colors. You can see everything you can build on the back of the box, plus it has inspiration photos for your creations. Dr. Jart+ is one of our favorite K-beauty brands, and this stick sunscreen primes the skin and blurs pores, which makes it a great option to apply underneath makeup. 'It goes on smoothly and doesn't leave my face feeling heavy or sticky,' says Rodriguez. 'And like its name suggests, this truly is an invisible sunscreen.' It's also not messy like other sunscreens, which makes it easy to apply and reapply throughout the day, according to our editors. While experts say plastic cutting boards are generally safe to use, they can cause microplastics to end up in your food. This cutting board is made from composite wood fiber, which is durable, easy to clean and good on your knives, according to experts in our guide to plastic cutting board alternatives. The non-porous board has a smooth feel and is double-sided, plus there's a hole to hang it from. This sunscreen has a rich, creamy texture and comes with a small scoop to not only help you avoid dipping your fingers into the tub, but also to indicate how much sunscreen you should apply to your face. 'As someone who often wears acrylics, not having to dip my fingers into the jar is such a plus. A con, however, is that there's no real place to put it once you detach it from the case,' says NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi. Merit's tinted sunscreen is closer to a foundation than most other tinted sunscreens on the market, and it instantly improves skin tone and texture, says Malin. It has a rich texture, but still feels lightweight, and it dries matte, so you can layer makeup on top without worrying about a shiny or oily base. It's also noncomedogenic and oil-free, which means it won't clog pores and is great for acne-prone skin. Cetaphil makes some of our favorite face moisturizers, cleansers and sunburn treatments. This lightweight moisturizer helps relieve dry, tight and rough skin thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic and polyglutamic acid, which help strengthen your skin's moisture barrier, according to the brand. The gel-like consistency absorbs quickly into the skin, and its oil- and fragrance-free formula won't cause irritation or clogged pores. If you're prioritizing fuller and thicker-looking hair this summer, consider this Ogx volumizing shampoo. It has a blend of biotin and collagen, which are naturally-occurring proteins in the body that help make your hair look thicker and have more volume overall, according to the brand. Reviewers love its subtle fragrance (notes of coconut, jasmine and lemon) that lingers in their hair post-shower. Another teeth whitening treatment our readers loved this month, these pre-filled trays (which you bite into) have professional-grade gel and are the strongest option we recommend. Our editors like that the tray format is easier to pop on and off than a traditional whitening strip, and they're comfortable to wear for longer periods of time. Malin considers this neck fan, which she wears around her neck like she would a pair of over-ear headphones, a must-have during the hot summer months. It's rechargeable, portable and has three airflow speeds, which you change by pressing its power button. The fan blows cool air toward you, and its bladeless design prevents your hair from getting caught in the openings. Plus, it helps keep your hands free to open doors, carry bags or run everyday errands. Why trust NBC Select? I'm an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered a variety of shopping categories, including beauty and pets, since 2021. For this article, I compiled a list of the top 13 bestselling products among our NBC Select readers during the month of June.
NBC News
22-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
BTW, Wayfair's Memorial Day Sale has sales up to 70% off
There is no shortage of sales during Memorial Day weekend — over the next week or so, you can find major deals at Nordstrom, Macy's, Amazon and more. Another major retailer having a big sale? Wayfair, which is known for selling home goods. During the sale, which runs through May 27, you can shop deals on home furniture, appliances, decor and more, all up to 70% off. There are thousands of products on sale during the duration of the sale and Wayfair is also dropping daily doorbuster deals that will last for only 24-hours. Below, I rounded up the best deals from Wayfair's Memorial Sale that are worth shopping. What to buy during Wayfair's Memorial Day Sale This large Dutch oven holds up to 8 quarts and is both dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the brand. It also has large handles on each side for easy maneuvering and comes in 8 different colors. 'There's a reason Le Creuset is a household name and I believe any one who enjoys cooking needs one of these in their home,' says NBC Select editorial operations manager Rebecca Rodriguez. 'This perfectly distributes heat throughout to provide an even cook and is ideal for slow cooking meats, making soups or stews and my favorite use case: making risotto. I'm a risotto afficionado and this Dutch Oven brought my recipe to a whole new level.' This 14-piece knife set includes six steak knives, two kitchen utility knives, a chef knife, kitchen shears, a bread knife, a Santoku knife, a paring knife and a knife block to store everything in. The knives are forged from stainless steel and have ergonomic handles for comfort, according to the brand. A cozy throw blanket comes in handy year round — it can keep you warm in the winter or when the air conditioner is blasting in the middle of summer. This one has fleece on one side and sherpa on the other for a super soft feel. It's also available in 21 colors and patterns to meet various aesthetic preferences This extra plush pillow is made with the brand's popular memory foam to conform to your head and provide custom support, according to Tempur-pedic. It comes with a removable cover and has a 5-year warranty from the brand. This upholstered bed is ideal for those with limited storage space in their home. Once you place a mattress on it, the frame's hydraulics allow you to prop it up to store things in the base. The bed is available in full, queen and king sizes. Perfect for a reading nook or anywhere else you want softer lighting than overhead lighting, this floor lamp has a gold metal stand and a scalloped glass shade that has a retro vibe. It stands 62.75-inches tall and weighs 8 pounds. This chair has a mid-century modern vibe and is currently 67% off. It has a wooden frame and an upholstered high-density foam cushion backrest and seat that comes in three different shades — beige, dark green or gray. It also comes with a lumbar pillow for further back support. This area rug comes in a variety of sizes and can be used indoors or outdoors. It has a bold pattern and a low pile, making it good for high traffic areas, according to the brand. You can vacuum it, spot clean it with a damp cloth or even hose it down if it's heavily soiled. It's best to use a rug pad with it to prevent slipping. Protect your couch from pet hair, spills or other dirt and grime with this polyester slipcover. It fits couches that are up to 70-inches long and has elastic straps to keep it in place. The cover comes in nine colors and has three slip pockets on each side to hold things like remote controls, magazines and more. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a writer at NBC Select who covers a variety of topics, including home, tech and beauty. I have been covering major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday for over a decade.
NBC News
13-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
Your summer wardrobe called — it wants these Nordstrom sale picks
As we inch towards summer, it's only natural to start craving new pieces for your warm weather wardrobe — like a stylish pair of sandals, a new dress or a beach bag for an upcoming vacation. But given that the summer season is relatively short, you may feel iffy about shelling out a ton of money for said pieces. That's where Nordstrom comes in. The retailer just added a ton of perfect-for-summer items to their sale section — and you can find deals up to 65% off. Below, we've rounded up some of our favorite sales from Nordstrom — check them out while they last. Best Nordstrom sale deals Bugatti Singapore Luggage Set Bugatti Singapore Luggage Set Got big travel plans this summer? This 2-piece luggage set can be a big help and is currently 65% off. The set has a carry-on bag and a larger spinner that can be checked. Both suitcases have hard shells, are lightweight and have 360-degree spinner wheels to make getting through the airport a breeze, according to the brand. They also have a zipper-release expansion system that can increase packing capacity by up to 20%, according to Bugatti. Rothy's The Weekend Slide Perfect with a casual dress or a pair of cropped pants, the silver sand color in this slide is currently 28% off. It has a knit upper and a plush footbed for comfort, according to the brand. Also nice: The materials are made from a blend of recycled plastic water bottles for sustainability. These oversized sunglasses can add a glam touch to any summer look. They come in five colors — including dusk apricot, smoke and dark poppy— and are currently 70% off. They offer 100% UV protection and adjustable nose pads. These sunglasses have a 4.1-star average rating from over 800 reviews at Nordstrom. On Cloudpulse Sneaker These shoes are one of our favorite training shoes because they have a wider toe box, rubber outsoles with good grip and a plastic plate in the midsole that supports lateral movements. Rebecca Rodriguez, NBC Select editorial projects manager, wears them to the gym and says they provide nice cushioning and arch support. Right now, the ivory/fade colorway is 26% off. NYDJ Marilyn Cool Embrace Jeans These jeans are made with a moisture-wicking denim to keep you cool and comfortable in the heat, according to NYDJ. They also have the brand's patented Lift-Tuck Technology, which helps to streamline and smooth from the inside. These jeans have a high rise and are cropped at the ankle. CeCe Ruffle Hem Dress Having a summer dress that you can easily dress up or down comes in handy. This one ties at the waist for a customized fit, has loose sleeves and a ruffled hem. Wear it with sneakers during the day or add heels for a fancier event. This dress is currently 40% off and is available in sizes XXS through XXL. More Nordstrom deals to shop Why trust NBC Select? I'm a writer at NBC Select who covers a variety of topics, including home, tech and beauty. I have been covering major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday for over a decade.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Elk Grove says it's synchronizing traffic signals. So why are some drivers seeing delays?
ELK GROVE — The City of Elk Grove is working to synchronize its major traffic signals to reduce driver frustration and congestion. City of Elk Grove Public Works Director Jeff Werner said they coordinated the signal timing on Elk Grove and Laguna Boulevards five years ago and saw a travel time reduction of about 50%. The goal is to do the same, but drivers will have to buckle up during the testing period. "It's just getting busier," said Mark Fairchilds, who has lived in Elk Grove for over a decade. "Elk Grove is very popular." The city is running tests on the traffic signals on these eight main corridors to see what timing works best: Whitelock Pkwy., Elk Grove Blvd., Laguna Blvd. and Bond Rd., Big Horn Blvd., Elk Grove Florin, Sheldon Rd., Bruceville Rd. and Grant Line Rd. "I am not one of those impatient people," said Elk Grove resident Rebecca Rodriguez. "If I have to wait, then I have to wait." CBS News Sacramento timed the drive across town for themselves just before noon Monday, clocking the drive from Highway 99 to Interstate 5 on westbound Laguna Boulevard at a little over eleven minutes, hitting six red lights. Turning from a side street onto Elk Grove Boulevard timed out to a little over a two-minute wait. "You have to wait and wait and wait and there's no traffic coming the opposite direction," said Rodriguez. "That's what makes me mad. There are no cars." As the main streets sync up, CBS News Sacramento got answers why some drivers feel like they are waiting longer at side streets. "We give priority to the main lines where the majority of traffic is coming from," said Werner. "When people are sitting there thinking, wow I have been at this light for a long time, you may have been there for two and a half minutes, and you won't be there for longer than that." Werner took CBS News Sacramento inside the city's traffic monitor center. We learned that if you have felt traffic signals out of sync, it is likely because they may have been disrupted by an emergency vehicle or someone crossing the street at the signal. "It could take 15 or 20 minutes to get back into synchronization," said Werner. Some drivers, like Fairchilds, said they know ways around side streets to avoid getting caught up on the busy main streets. "Don't want to tell my side streets because that's where I get to sneak through," Fairchilds said. Werner said if any residents have any issues with a specific intersection, they want to hear from you with the exact location, time of day and length of time you were waiting. The project is funded through Measure E, which was a sales tax approved by voters in 2022. The contractor who has been testing the signals is expected to have the data from the tests in about two weeks. You can call the City of Elk Grove Public Works Department at (916) 478-2256.
NBC News
30-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
What are sneaker loafers and why is every footwear brand making a pair?
It makes sense to be skeptical of the sneaker loafer. It's a bizarre combination: the timeless design of a loafer fused with the sporty side and build of a sneaker. And yet, somehow, it works. What started as a niche collaboration between New Balance and Junya Watanabe in 2024 exploded into a full-blown footwear trend that major brands like Hoka and Puma embraced. The original sneaker loafer, based on the New Balance 1906 silhouette, drew attention for its unconventional blend of styles — the classic loafer upper paired with a performance-inspired sole. Now, more brands are experimenting with their versions of the hybrid shoe. Below, we highlight some of the best sneaker loafers available right now. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. What are sneaker loafers Sneaker loafers are a combination of the loafer design and modern sneakers. They're part lifestyle shoe, part performance sneaker. These shoes aren't meant to replace either category, but instead reinterpret both. NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez started noticing the sneaker loafers a few months ago when she pointed them out to me after a meeting. We were chatting about how nice a pair of brown suede sneaker loafers looked. New Balance and many other brands have started jumping in on the trend with all-new models and color options. The best sneaker loafers of 2025 New Balance 1906L Loafer This is the sneaker loafer that started it all. Based on New Balance's 1906 silhouette, the 1906L blends performance DNA with a loafer-like upper — a mix that looks strange at first but grows on you fast. The design is so popular it often sells out. Hoka Speed Loafer The Hoka Speed Loafer feels even more ludicrous than the New Balance model thanks to its classic Hoka chunky sole and the clever little tassels at the top of the shoe. It's like someone asked a marathon runner to create their ideal version of a sneaker made for a black tie dinner. It has a suede trim and leather upper and refers to the Hoka Speedgoat 5, the brand's trail running shoe. The Sophyr Loafyr (yes, that's the name) features a leather upper, mesh lining, and trail-style outsole. It's rugged and performance-forward, with a logo cut-out strap that leans sporty over sleek. More aligned with hiking sneakers than business casual, this hybrid shoe features a Vibram sole and a rubberized toe cap for grip and durability. It's the most outdoorsy option here — odd but practical. G.H. Bass Buxton Penny Loafer The other sneaker loafers on this list are more aggressive in their approach to hybridization. This G.H. Bass model is much more inoffensive and easy to digest, which, depending on the person, could be a welcome sight. These have a rubber sole, breathable lining and leather upper, according to the brand. Why trust NBC Select? I am an editor at NBC Select who writes and edits stories on various topics including tech, apparel, home and more. I have covered major shopping holidays and other events for over five years. For this article, I rounded up my favorite sneaker loafers from NBC Select favorite brands.
