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TheraFace PRO
Image Credit: Therabody
With the end-of-summer heat still blazing away, the infrared light therapy from my TheraFace PRO has become my go-to for spot treating any acne flare-ups caused by sweat (and boy, do I sweat a lot). To beat those nasty bumps, I mostly use the device’s blue light modality and treat any problem areas with a 45 second spot treatment. But with seven other settings (including percussion massage that I use on my tense jawline), this is probably the device that gets the most use in my bathroom cabinet. — SA
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Patagonia Hydropeak Boardshorts
Image Credit: Backcountry
In Los Angeles, September means the ocean is finally warm enough to ditch the wetsuit for boardshorts. We’ve tested a few pairs this past month, but these Patagonia Hydropeak shorts came out on top: they’re great for surfing and workouts, yet light and comfortable enough for lounging on the beach afterwards. — OH
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Marshall MOTIF II A.N.C
Image Credit: Marshall
Because I travel so often for work, I’ve run my fair share of noise-cancelling earbuds through the air travel wringer (see some of our past favorites here). But Marshall’s new MOTIF II earbuds really impressed me with their much-improved ANC that compares to some similarly-priced competitors like Apple’s AirPods. Most importantly, they were ultra-light enough to wear through a six hour flight, with an expectionally well-balanced sound stage right out of the box even as they weigh in at just 0.15 oz. Overall, they’re a well-rounded pair of travel buds for music-minded jetsetters. — SA
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Yes4All Powder Coated Kettlebell Weights
Image Credit: Amazon
Missing outdoor workouts, I recently picked up this affordable Yes4All kettlebell on Amazon. Since the heavy package arrived (shipped free with my Prime membership, of course), I’ve been more excited about working out than I have in years. So far, the kettlebell has been sturdy and well-designed to tackle any movement. I bought the 35-pound kettlebell, but will likely order more in the coming weeks. — OH
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Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Perfume
Image Credit: Boy Smells
I love a scent that lingers and shifts in presence over time. It’s an elusive behavior that only great perfumes can achieve, and Boy Smell’s Hinoki Fantôme is as elusive as it gets. It starts off sweet but leaves a spicy, sort of woodsy smell after it settles. I can only really describe it as chewing Big Red gum next to a fire. It’s mesmerizing. — KR
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BlenderCap by Cruz
Image Credit: Cruz
Out of all the blenders I’ve tried to turn me into a breakfast smoothie person on the way to work, the BlenderCap is the one that might convert me. Debuting at CES 2023, this “delightfully over-engineered” portable blender is as shockingly compact as it is powerful. The “cell-to-pack” technology and 18,000 RPM motor is a true innovation, blending up frozen fruit chunks and dissolving protein powder like no one’s business, without weighing down my work bag too much. A marvel of smoothie engineering. — SA
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Adidas Samba OG Sneakers
Image Credit: adidas
I’ve been putting off buying a pair of Adidas because I don’t like feeding into trends, and nothing has been more saturated than Adidas. However, I caved and bought my first pair (white leather and grey suede Sambas), and I’m never looking back. They go with literally everything I own (I have a lot of clothes) and I’ve never gotten more compliments on a pair of shoes EVER. As saturated as they are in culture, people still love an Adidas sneaker. — KR
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Viome Oral Health Intelligence Test
Image Credit: Viome
I had previously taken Viome’s at-home, Full Body Intelligence Test, but this buzzy gut health startup is moving to your mouth with a new kit aimed at giving you info about your oral health. It’s the first-ever saliva-based test that utilizes advanced RNA sequencing technology, and follows up with personalized products such as tooth gel and losanges. We’re not just talking things like cavities and gum issues, but it shows how your oral microbiome can be implicated in many systemic diseases. If nothing else convinces you to floss regularly, this will. — SA
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G.H. Mumm Champagne x CYK Caviar Kit
Image Credit: Drizly
The limited-edition G.H. Mumm Champagne x CYK Caviar Kit sold out quickly when it launched last month, but fans hoping to get in on the opulent experience can still pick up a bottle of G.H. Mumm’s Grand Cordon Rose Brut, a crisp, fruit-forward champagne that is perfect for the waning days of summer, whether you’re pairing it with caviar, or just a sunset view. — TC
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For Them Binder Max
Image Credit: For Them
As someone who plays with gender presentation and occassionally prefers to bind, I remember when the only game in town was Underworks or g2cb. Nowadays I can’t get enough of the For Them Binder Max, which gives me the locked-in compression of an Underworks binder, without the discomfort after several hours of wear. It’s ridiculously soft and smooth, and doesn’t ride up, move around, or dig into my pits. For my trans masc kings or fellow queer folks out there, we can’t recommend this binder enough. — SA
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