The 19 best products BI editors tested in May 2026

A leather travel bag that can be styled multiple ways

The Aoyama 2 by Lo & Sons just earned the top spot in our guide to the best travel purses, overtaking its predecessor thanks t the addition of an elasticated key leash, and best of all, there's no more logo on the convertible strap. The smart 3-in-1 design is so subtly executed that it doesn't appear as utilitarian as it is. I flew with mine to Florida and wore it on my shoulder as my personal item. I then styled it as a clutch to a rehearsal dinner, and again as a crossbody on a swampy hike. The roomy leather bag easily held my hardcover book, wallet, passport, earbuds, and charging port, with space left over. My favorite pocket is the vertical exterior one, which lets me access my phone without having to sling the entire bag off my shoulder. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

Hardshell luggage with a a top-side opening

For as long as I can remember, hard-shell suitcases have had a clamshell design, and frankly, I hate them. They require twice the floor space when opened, and juggling to open a full half design is clunky and not user-friendly. I've much preferred soft side luggage, where I can easily flip open the lid or slip something inside at the last minute.

Away has created the perfect hybrid, called the Topside, offering hardshell durability with softside convenience, available in a Medium Trunk check-in and a Bigger Carry-on. In addition to the flip-top lid, Away has thought of other conveniences like a wheel brake system, which is useful for when on public transportation. Alongside the launch, they released a PackAway Closet system with collapsible shelves that can be packed and directly hung in a closet. I'm looking forward to traveling with them on a cruise later this month and reporting back on handling. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Size-inclusive wide leg pants

I fractured and sprained my ankle on a run last month, so I've been looking for pants that are easy to move around in, comfortable, don't hug the ankle, and still look nice enough that I don't feel like I'm wearing sweatpants every time I leave home. Enter the Halara Flex Wide Leg Micro Waffle Work Pants, which are the budget pick in our guide to the best stretchy work pants and the best travel pants. These are light and breathable enough that I can wear them to physical therapy, but I can just as easily wear them out to dinner with the right shoes. I like the breezy feel, flattering fit, and elastic waist of the pants, and the sizable pockets add an extra layer of utility. They're available in 5 inseams in sizes XS-3X. — Lillian Brown, senior associate editor of streaming

Butter yellow linen bedding for warmer weather

I tested this butter yellow set from Australian sleepwear brand Hommey, and it's one of the easiest ways I've refreshed my bedroom for summer. The color was the first thing that won me over — it's bright and dopamine-boosting without feeling too loud — and the blue border piping ties in perfectly with the blue tones I already have in my room.

I was originally skeptical because I'd never tried linen sheets before, but these completely changed my mind. They came out of the wash incredibly soft, with none of the scratchiness or stiffness I expected, and they've been easy to clean without losing that breezy, lived-in feel. The linen also stays cool to the touch, which makes it especially nice for warmer nights. Between the washable, low-maintenance fabric and the way the yellow instantly changes the mood of the space, this is exactly the kind of sheet set I want on my bed all summer. — Samantha Crozier, style editor

Korean skincare staples

I have very sensitive skin. I flare up easily with rashes, dry patches, and redness, so I have to be very careful when I try new products. I gave this one a shot on a whim: the ingredients seemed simple, the brand is a Korean skincare brand on my radar, and I needed a new moisturizer. I'm so glad I did.

When it comes to simple, rich moisturization, the Nacific Uyu Cream Moisturizer and Toner are my favorites. I've used them both almost daily for over a year, and loved how they make my skin feel and how effective they are against dry California weather. The cream moisturizer is a bit heavy for morning use, but at night time, it hydrates without feeling overbearing and absorbs quickly. My skin always feels so bouncy and refreshed the morning after. The toner is more versatile, and its creamy formula makes a great base under my makeup. — Sarah Saril, deals editor

4-inch sandals you can dance in all night long

I broke in these 4-inch peep-toe sandals on a recent walk through Central Park. I know that height sounds intimidating if you're not used to heels, but it doesn't feel as high as you'd think — the Inez Camillas have block heels to steady your gait, and their shallow pitch means you're not putting all your weight on your tiptoes. My fellow style editor, Samantha Crozier, put me onto this pair after she wore hers to three weddings. On my walk, I discovered they were easy to maneuver in, even on grass, gravel, cobblestone, and hilly pathways. I came away with no blisters and will certainly be wearing these dress shoes to my friend's wedding in June. I'm ready to crown them as the comfiest wedding guest shoes. — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor

The next-generation of a beloved crafting machine

Whether you're a parent upping your party prep game, a teacher making hand-me-outs for your students, or just a crafty gal like me, a Cricut makes a big difference.

When it comes to Cricut cutting machines, there are two you can choose from in terms of "big" machines: the Explore and the Maker. Between the two, the Explore is the mid-range model, best for folks cutting thinner materials like sticker paper, cardstock, and vinyl — perfect for my casual recreational usage. I recently upgraded to the new Cricut Explore 5, and having used both the 3 and 4, I'm a fan of this new generation. I love using mine to create fun stickers.

The new model has a smaller footprint, taking up less horizontal space, though you'll still need enough room for the cut mat to pass through entirely from the front to the back. It's also notably faster at reading registration marks, most often used with "Print to cut" projects, so the amount of time spent babysitting a cut before it starts is considerably less. — Sarah Saril, deals editor

Plant-based laundry care in heavenly fragrances

My guilty pleasure is elevated laundry detergent. Fresh linen and meadow breeze scents are great, but I love crawling under freshly laundered sheets scented with a layer of nuance.

The creator of The Laundress launched her next venture, Lindry Lab, with a focus on performance, clean materials, and fragrance. Working with master perfumers, the plant-based laundry detergent is made with USDA biobased ingredients, plant surfactants, 5 highly concentrated enzymes, a biodegradable preservative, and natural-origin fragrances, and contains no known endocrine disruptors, phthalates, parabens, BPA, or alkylphenols. The Scent 01 Laundry Detergent is a blend of bergamot, petitgrain, lavender, and ambrette musk. It smells heavenly and, perhaps more importantly, brightened my whites and erased some long-set-in sweat stains. The launch spans laundry detergent in six scents, including fragrance-free, as well as a suite of fabric care products, including scent sprays, delicates detergent, wool wash, and stain sprays. I like that the website goes into detail about all the ingredients they use and how they work in laundry care. — Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor

Chic flip-flops

I love a chic flip-flop, but I often find that simple leather silhouettes lack support. I started testing these Solei Sea sandals for a forthcoming guide to comfortable flip flops, and I've been wearing them nonstop since they arrived. The arch support wouldn't be sufficient for someone with plantar fasciitis or high arches, but there's just enough of it for someone like me who needs a little bit of support and isn't doing a ton of walking. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

An OLED TV that made a lasting impression

I test lots of TVs year-round, and with so many displays coming in and out of my testing room, it's hard for any one model to really stand out. The LG C6H OLED, however, left an immediate impression. This submodel in LG's popular C Series is available in 77 and 83 inches and delivers one of the biggest year-over-year upgrades the brand has offered in a long time. Its bright, high-contrast image makes it one of the most impressive big-screen TVs on the market, and it's easily a contender for one of the best LG TVs and best OLED TVs available. Its launch price is a bit high, but once regular discounts start popping up, I expect this model to earn a spot in several of my best TV guides. — Steven Cohen, senior tech editor

A clever way to get in more veggies and fiber

I ordered these Liquid+ Salad pouches myself after a clever Instagram ad reminded me how bad I am at eating fiber. The pouches each contain 8 grams of prebiotic fiber, and the ingredients list reads like an overengineered salad. You'll find familiar fruits and veggies like apple, cucumber, kale, and celery, along with supplemental ingredients like broccoli and wheatgrass powders, konjac root, and chicory root inulin. As the name suggests, they taste a lot like green juice. The texture is totally smooth and more gel-like than applesauce-like, so they can be eaten quickly or even mixed into a big glass of water. It's nice to have something quick and easy to grab between or alongside meals if I'm otherwise not doing a great job balancing my nutrients for the day. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

A lightweight carry-on that fit enough for a 9-day trip

I was impressed by the lightweight design and smooth wheels of this Victorinox Carry-on during a trip to Italy earlier this month. It was easy to maneuver over Rome's treacherous cobblestone streets and the uneven slab sidewalks of Florence. What makes this carry-on suitcase especially noteworthy is its packability: I fit enough clothing and a pair of sneakers for a nine-day trip, with room to spare for another pair of jeans and two lightweight tops later on. It also held up to abuse, including my preliminary tests pre-trip, which included tossing it several feet into the air over a concrete floor. All this said, it's easily one of the most practical and reliable pieces of luggage I've used. — Lisa Sabatini, senior pets editor

A fresh look at a streaming subscription

I've been streaming Apple TV shows since the service first launched in 2019, but I've been using the app more and more lately, and the streamer has impressed. Over the past year, it has climbed its way to the top of the pack when it comes to original TV shows, launching hit after hit with genre-defying series like "Pluribus" and "Widow's Bay." Apple TV even dethroned Netflix as the top option for originals in our guide to the best streaming services. The acquisition of live sporting events, including all MLS matches and Formula 1 races, has helped give it a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded market, but one of its most impressive features is its relatively low price. The service has one tier, ad-free, which costs $13 a month (cheaper than most of its ad-free peers, even after a recent price hike). — Lillian Brown, senior associate editor of streaming

Stretchy work pants with polish

There's nothing like stretchy pants that feel like pajamas but look like you actually meant to wear them out of the house. These ones from M.M. Lafleur Barrel Pants are unbelievably comfortable, but the silhouette is office-ready and super chic. I think I've worn them every week since I first tested them for our M.M.LaFleur review, and I can tell they'll remain a staple in my wardrobe for years to come. Plus, they're machine washable! — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

Effortlessly chic ballet flats

I knew I needed to try the M.Gemi Una after hearing senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase rave about them in her guide to the best flats, and now I fully get the hype. The leather is the softest and most pliant I've ever tried — it genuinely feels like butter and molds to your feet without any stiffness or break-in period.

They're also so lightweight that it almost feels like wearing nothing on your feet. I love them so much that I've started keeping them in my bag while I'm out testing heels for my guide to the most comfortable heels, just so I have something to slip into if a pair starts getting uncomfortable. They take up barely any space, feel amazing right away, and have quickly become my go-to backup shoe. — Samantha Crozier, style editor

A device to help with neck pain

I carry a lot of tension in my shoulders and neck — always have. It's due to poor posture and a lack of muscle strength in the area, I'm sure, but on a daily basis, it's a real nuisance. Especially during the last few very stressful months in my life, I've found that the pain has kept me from getting a good night's rest. I gave this cheap chiropractic pillow a shot, and it really helped more than I can put into words. I'll wedge it at the base of my normal bed pillow or spend 15 minutes stretching on it before bed, and find that it helps alleviate a lot of the soreness I carry there. It's not a long-term solution, but for a quick stretch, this pillow for neck pain is indispensable. — Sarah Saril, deals editor

A clarifying shampoo and deep conditioner set

Recently, a "celebrity shampoo" left my hair feeling bizarrely greasy, clumpy, and coated, no matter how much I rinsed. After a little beauty detective work, I realized I was dealing with product buildup, likely from protein-heavy ingredients that don't always play nice with my hair type — or Los Angeles water. So I ordered Malibu C's Un-Do-Goo shampoo. It's a brand I already trusted after falling hard for their Swimmers Wellness shampoo years ago. One wash with Un-Do-Goo was enough to make my hair feel like hair again. It cuts through the residue without stripping, which is a tricky balance. If your locks are feeling waxy, stiff, or still dirty after washing, this is the reset button I'd reach for. — Bronwyn Barnes, deputy editor, Insider Reviews

The perfect accessory for mahjong lovers

Like much of the country, I've been swept up in mahjong mania. (Here's my go-to set— and it's under $200) While the game is fun, the real draw for me is the people. I've played everywhere from my mom's buttoned-up group of rule-followers to my regular weekly game, which is considerably more chaotic. This mahjong journal gives me a place to capture all of it: memorable wins, inside jokes, new strategies, and the cast of characters who make each game different. I bought it thinking I would be a scorekeeper, but it has become more of a time capsule. — Bronwyn Barnes, deputy editor, Insider Reviews

A limited edition sweet and spicy fruit snack

What fruit snack could be worth $82 is the question I'm dying to answer. Flamingo Estate's Limited Edition Spicy Strawberry Fruit Snack is quite literally a delicacy: comprised of organic small-batch Harry's Berries strawberries (yes those iconic California farmer's market staples), key lime, and guajillo chile for a spicy kick. These dehydrated berries are chewy, the right blend of sweet and tart, and leave an exciting mouth tingling feel. While definitely not an everyday snack, these make a great gourmet gift or an addition to a charcuterie board.