10 grooming products our editors rely on to help them look their best, starting at $10
Over the years, CNN Underscored editors have tested plenty of grooming products, whether it was for work or because we needed something for our own routines. If you're looking to amp up your men's grooming arsenal, you're in luck, because we're rounding up our top picks. From a beard trimmer that one of our editors has had for years to the volumizing hair powder our electronics writer loves, here are 10 grooming products our editors stand by.
Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion Cordless Beard Trimmer
I've had this beard trimmer for about four years now, and I use it nearly every week. I love its ergonomic feel, and it's great at both trimming bulk in my beard and sharpening lines on my jaw. When we tested the best beard trimmers, it was our performance pick, and after years of additional testing, I can still see why. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor Read our review
Philips Norelco OneBlade 360
I love my Philips OneBlade. I have used this for years, and it still performs great. The 360 blade is great for getting all edges of my face, and the attachable comb is great for getting the perfect length. I have used tons of other razors in the past and somehow always manage to nick or accidentally cut myself, but with this razor, that has never been an issue. I also find that the battery life on this razor lasts a while, so I don't need to charge it very often. This is a major plus, especially when I'm traveling and need to touch up my facial hair but forget the charger. — Tyler Holender, social strategist
Kevin Murphy Powder Puff Volumizing Powder
The only way my hair ever looks as decent as it does is thanks to three things: my fantastic barber, Alexia Saras, and the two products I use whenever I need to impress. When it's time to get fancy, I sprinkle in a very light amount of Australian hair care brand Kevin Murphy's Powder Puff Volumizing Powder, which basically helps my hair come to life. Not to wax too poetic, but I always feel like this stuff is breathing a tiny gust of air into my hair. Then I put a little bit of that same brand's Rough Rider paste into my hair to lock that volume in. I've used the paste for a lot longer than the powder and have always loved how it keeps my hair looking matte and clean. — Henry T. Casey, electronics writer
Dollar Shave Club Shave Butter, 2-Pack
I didn't really care about what shaving cream I used until I tried Dollar Shave Club's Shave Butter. It becomes translucent when you rub it on your skin, so you can actually see where you're shaving. Plus, I've noticed no difference when it comes to smoothness from traditional shaving creams. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pet editor
Philips Norelco Multigroom Series 9000 21-Piece All-in-One Trimmer
The use I've gotten out of this all-in-one trimmer is terrific for under $100. Its main function is helping me maintain my beard when I rock one, but I've also used its attachments to shave my face, trim nose hairs and even pull off a full buzz cut. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer
Gillette Fusion5 Power Razor for Men
I've been a proud bald guy for five years and counting, and have relied on this cheap Gillette razor to keep my head as smooth as a baby's for almost that entire time. Paired with a good shave gel, the Gillette Fusion5 glides softly and comfortably around my dome; I can probably count on one hand the rare occasions where I accidentally nicked myself. Sure, I have to pick up blade refills every few months, but that's still cheaper than what I was paying my barber to cut what was left of my hair — and certainly a less costly investment than those scary-looking dome shavers I always see ads for. — Mike Andronico, senior tech editor
Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer
This was the daily moisturizer that got me serious about skin care, and I still haven't found anything better. It doesn't leave a sticky or heavy feeling after it's applied, and it doubles as a great daily sunscreen. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer
Bevel Safety Razor
Most of the time I quickly shave my neck with my Wahl beard trimmer, but if I want to get a close, quality shave, I always reach for my Bevel Safety Razor. I love how simple its design is, how easy it is to clean and how close a shave I can get. Plus, replacement blades are ridiculously cheap, especially compared to more popular three- or five-blade replacements. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor
Leaf Shave Thorn Single-Edge Razor
There are pros and cons to shaving with a single-edge razor, and so far, Leaf has done the best job at convincing me it's a superior alternative to multi-blade cartridges. The angled head lightens the learning curve for new users. If you're looking to save money over the long haul with a sustainable shave, Leaf is worth a look. — Joe Bloss, associate testing writer
SinkShroom Ultra Bathroom Sink Strainer
I'm always shocked at just how much hair comes off my face when I trim my beard, and this little gadget helps me keep all that facial hair out of my drains. I keep it in my sink at all times, and it makes cleanup after shaving that much easier. — Kai Burkhardt, outdoors, sustainable living and pets editor What grooming products should men have?
What grooming products should men have?
Everyone's grooming routine is different, so the products in one man's routine may look completely different from what's in anothers. Some common grooming products include razors, beard oils, trimmers and aftershave.
What is a proper grooming routine for men?
What is a proper grooming routine for men?
A solid skin care routine is the foundation for any beauty or grooming routine. If you're someone who also likes to shave, Jake Murphy, a senior barber and manager at Ruffians Covent Garden, said in our guide to the cleanest shave that properly prepping your skin by cleansing it thoroughly should be the first step in the shaving process. The experts in that article then recommend following up with a moisturizer or an aftershave.
CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, associate lifestyle editor Rachel Dennis rounded up some of the team's favorite grooming products.
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CNN
3 days ago
- CNN
We tried Halara's viral summer clothes. Here are the styles we think are worth shopping
For those that are chronically online, chances are you've seen Halara, the activewear-inspired clothing brand for women that has had plenty of viral moments, including being spotted on Taylor Swift. In fact, Halara is chronically online itself. As part of what it calls its 'community-driven approach,' the company harnesses AI and algorithms to analyze comments on its social media posts, gathering data about what styles its customers want to see next. This strategy has brought some of its bestselling (and often sold-out) products to life and kept the brand in stride with its customers. You're also likely to snag a deal when shopping at Halara, as it often runs buy more, save more promos and other discounts. In addition to its popular activewear, Halara is known for its cute and comfy basics, as well as its inclusive sizing. And since a few of us CNN Underscored editors have been on the hunt for new styles for summer, we decided to put it to the test and try out some of its everyday pieces. From work pants that feel like athleisure to summer dresses that keep you cool, here are our honest thoughts on Halara's viral clothes. Halara Flex High-Waisted Wide-Leg Waffle Work Pants One of Halara's bestsellers, these relaxed work pants are made with a textured waffle fabric. They have a roomy fit and come in nearly two dozen colors, three lengths and extended sizing. Two CNN Underscored staffers tested these trousers and both said that they balance the comfort of athleisure wear with the look of everyday clothes. Photo editor Molly Flores found that they ran a bit big, especially since they have a pleated, flowy silhouette, while social coordinator Gabriella Triolo said that she had no issues with the fit. Prev Next What we liked: Our testers loved the soft material and that you could get away with wearing them to work, even though they feel more like athleisure. They also said that they are a good value for the price point. What we didn't like: There wasn't too much to knock about these pants. It mostly came down to personal preference. Flores said the cut was extremely high-waisted for her proportions, and she felt that they looked too big on her overall. Halara Flex High-Waisted Slight-Flare Work Pants A pair of work pants that deliver on comfort, these pull-ons have a high waist and subtle flare to flatter the figure. Managing editor Rachel Quigley tried these pants and found them super comfortable. They have a slim fit around the waist and thighs, with the material offering lots of stretch but not much compression. They fit her true to size, and she was pleasantly surprised that the pants weren't too long for her 5-foot-4-inch frame. 'These were perfect with a low heel for work,' she said. They are available in regular, petite and tall lengths, as well as extended sizing. What we liked: With a flattering cut and reasonable length, these flared pants fit right in with our tester's office wardrobe. What we didn't like: Quigley said the pants weren't very supportive around the stomach area, so she preferred wearing them with longer shirts or sweaters for some coverage. She also noted that the material feels a bit cheap, so she's not sure how they'll hold up over time. Halara Flex Rolled-Hem Wide-Leg Washed Stretchy Knit Casual Jeans These stretchy jeans offer unmatched comfort as far as denim goes. With Halara's four-way stretch denim, they flex and move with you — almost like athleisure. I originally tested these when I was trying out the sweatpants jean trend a couple of months ago. This pair was the closest style I found that felt like sweatpants but still had a true denim look. They're so comfy that I opted to wear them on a red-eye flight to Los Angeles last month. Typically, I would never wear jeans in an airport outfit, but the wide-leg fit and soft feel of this pair made sitting for over five hours totally bearable. What we liked: Besides being supremely comfortable, the jeans come in three inseam lengths and nine washes. Halara offers plenty of other jeans in its Flex denim too. What we didn't like: The fabrication is so soft and stretchy that even the waistband stretches out with regular wear. They snap back to a snugger fit once you wash them, but it's something to be aware of. Halara Mid-Rise Casual Cotton Joggers These 100% cotton joggers have a pleated front that brings a more formal edge to the cropped cut and typically casual style. With this style, Halara puts a spin on another athleisure favorite: joggers. While the cotton is lightweight, Flores said the material felt stiff and thin, and it was prone to wrinkling throughout the day. That said, we can see these working for casual settings paired with a T-shirt or rugby sweater. What we liked: These pants are a decent option for those seeking a hybrid style that marries structure and a laidback look. What we didn't like: Some may prefer shopping natural fibers like cotton, but in this case, the fabric felt rigid and uncomfortable. Flores also found this style to run large at the waist. Halara Breezeful High-Low Ruffle 2-in-1 Maxi Skirt This flowy high-low skirt is a good choice for summer travel and busy days. Built-in shorts and a quick-dry material will help keep you cool and chafe-free. This skirt was one of Triolo's favorite pieces she tested. She said it's an everyday style that's 'extremely comfortable and breathable yet still super cute.' The built-in shorts fit like typical biker shorts, and Triolo noted that they made the skirt a little tight to pull on at first, but she liked how they hugged her curves. What we liked: Versatile, comfortable and light, this maxi skirt moves with you. It's perfect for active days when you still want to look cute. What we didn't lik about it: The fabric can get wrinkly. Halara Flex 3-Inch Mid-Rise Stretchy Knit Denim Casual Shorts Halara's denim shorts don't dig in or gape at the waist, giving them a comfortable, relaxed fit. Made with four-way stretch cotton and elastane denim, these shorts have plenty of give. They're soft and lightweight, and the cut provides a relaxed fit in the thigh area. They're by far the most comfortable denim shorts I've worn. I opted for the Cloud Black Denim wash, but they come in three blue washes too. What we liked: The length and cut of these denim shorts gives enough coverage to make you feel confident without being covered up. What we didn't like: While the shorts run true to size, the material has so much stretch that it tends to loosen up rather quickly. This can give the shorts a baggy look. Halara Softlyzero Backless Active Dress Easy-Peezy Edition Every closet needs a cute exercise dress like this one. Its criss-crossed back, built-in shorts, hidden pockets and fit-and-flare silhouette give it an elevated athleisure look. Did I mention it's also one of Halara's claims to fame? This viral style — a more affordable alternative to Outdoor Voices' $100 exercise dress — pops up on my For You page pretty much daily. With light support and plenty of stretch, I wouldn't reach for this dress for workouts and intense activities, but it's a cute option for a day hike or just taking a stroll. Unlike other exercise dresses with built-in shorts that are essentially a romper underneath, the shorts on this dress are actually detached at the back. In theory, this would make it easier to use the restroom, since you don't have to remove the whole garment to pull down the shorts. However, it proved to be a bit awkward since they're still attached at the front. It's an interesting feature that I hadn't come across before, but it actually wasn't value added. Overall, I think the dress is worth grabbing on sale — and you're bound to find your favorite color since it comes in over two dozen. What we liked: You don't have to worry about breaking a sweat in this breathable dress. If you're looking for more coverage, it also comes in a longer length and sizing for D to F cups (in both lengths). What we didn't like: Besides the built-in shorts not being as useful as they initially seemed, the dress wrinkled pretty significantly. This didn't bother me too much since I've only worn it to walk my dog and run errands, but if you're looking for a more polished athleisure outfit, I would opt for a different style. Halara Breezeful V-Neck Quick-Dry Longer-Length Midi Dress Available in 15 colors, this casual dress will keep you comfortable on hot days, thanks to its sweat-absorbing, quick-drying fabric and breezy silhouette. While Quigley found this dress ran large, she liked the fabric and silhouette. The tie detail helped give the style shape, and you can tie it in the front or back. She also appreciated that the dress has pockets. 'I feel like it would hold up over time, so it's worth the money,' she said. What we liked: The lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric is a great option for summer. It also held up well after washing, and the quality of this piece lived up to our expectations. The dress comes in a shorter length too. What we didn't like: This style ran a bit large, and the silhouette had a lot of fabric in general, so consider sizing down. Halara Everyday Midi Chill Dress-La Land In between an exercise dress and a sundress, this style has a flattering A-line cut and practical features like pockets and a built-in bra. The racerback silhouette, fitted top and flowy skirt make for a comfortable everyday dress. The nylon and elastane fabrication feels soft and cool to the touch, ultimately helping to keep you at ease in the summer heat. Even though Triolo said the top didn't fit perfectly, she thought it was true to size. What we liked: This casual style is great for active days. Pair it with your favorite walking shoes and you'll be unstoppable. What we didn't like: Triolo said the fit of the top was too big in some areas and too small in others but noted that she has a 'bigger chest and unique bra size.' Next time, she'd order the version specifically made for D to F cups. Halara Breezeful Backless Wide-Leg Jumpsuit All you need is a great jumpsuit to create an instant outfit. This one is airy and attractive, with a backless top and flowy, pleated bottoms. 'I am absolutely obsessed with this jumpsuit and have been wearing it once or twice a week since I got it,' Quigley said. As someone who's reviewed other comfy jumpsuits, she knows when a style ticks all the right boxes. 'It is cool, lightweight, flattering and a great price,' Quigley said, adding that the pockets are a plus too. What we liked: This style can be dressed up or down and go from day to night. Quigley said she even paired it with a jacket and wore it to work. And since we know the struggle of finding a jumpsuit that fits right, we appreciate that this one comes in three lengths and extended sizing. Quigley said it runs true to size. What we didn't like: We really loved this style, but we know a backless style isn't for everyone. We'd love to see a version with more coverage on the back and arms. If you're looking for comfy clothes that can pass for your everyday wardrobe, Halara is worth a shot. We tested 10 items to gauge the overall quality, and while not every piece was a winner, the brand has pages and pages of styles to choose from. In fact, Quigley said that she's had much more success with Halara's activewear. 'I can't say enough good things about [the activewear],' she said. 'The tank tops, sports bras and tummy-control leggings I have tried have been comfortable, flattering and fit true to size, especially for the price point.' So, it might take some trial and error to find the pieces that work for you (thankfully, the brand has a generous 30-day return window from the time you receive your items; you just have to pay return shipping), but there are some real gems to scoop. Does Halara clothing run true to size? Does Halara clothing run true to size? It depends. Based on our testing, some styles run large, while most were true to size. If you are between sizes, we recommend sizing down. You can also refer to the brand's size guide, found on every product page. Does Halara have a physical store? Does Halara have a physical store? No, Halara's clothes are currently available direct to consumer via its website. In June 2024, it opened a pop-up shop in New York City. Where is Halara shipped from? Where is Halara shipped from? The brand manufactures and ships its products from East and Southeast Asia. To find out which of Halara's viral summer styles are worth buying, a testing panel was assembled consisting of four CNN Underscored staffers. Our panel was comprised of various sizes, body types and style preferences. Photo editor Molly Flores was looking for comfortable basics and typically wears a size medium. Managing editor Rachel Quigley was searching for new work clothes for summer and ordered her usual size small. Fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw is 5 foot, 2 inches tall, so she was on the hunt for petite-friendly clothes that can keep her comfortable all summer long. Social coordinator Gabriella Triolo, who wears a size medium, was looking for curve-friendly styles that are effortless to wear. CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw, along with three other CNN Underscored staffers, tested a number of products from the viral brand Halara.
CNN
13-06-2025
- CNN
Beats' new Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds just went on sale for the second time at $50 off
One of the best pairs of workout earbuds received a long-awaited update earlier this year. Back in February, Beats finally launched a follow-up to its beloved fitness earbuds after making runners wait over five years. If you've been waiting a little longer to upgrade to the Powerbeats Pro 2 without paying full price, several retailers have launched discounts for only the second time. Take $50 off at Amazon and Best Buy with these all-time low tech deals. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 One of the most eagerly awaited sequels in the world of tech just went on sale. The Powerbeats Pro 2 upgrade the most beloved workout earbuds on the market and come in four new colors. Mike Andronico's glowing review is convincing me to ditch the Bose Ultra Open buds I use when working out in favor of these newer buds, which are $50 off for only the second time. In the world of workout earbuds, there's one brand that has consistently released the most popular options: Beats. Its headphones have been topping the charts at CNN Underscored for ages, and its new Powerbeats Pro 2 should be following suit. Andronico has been covering consumer electronics for over a decade. So when he was impressed by the company's latest, I knew these earbuds were the real deal. Today's offer makes that endorsement even better. It's only the second time these Beats headphones have gone on sale since launching in February. The first and only other discount was back during the Memorial Day festivities, a deal that was so popular it quickly sold out. So, if today's rehash of that all-time low from the holiday weekend catches your eye, it'll be worth adding to your cart sooner rather than later. Shipping times are already beginning to slip, but there's a chance you'll still be able to have these delivered as a last-minute Father's Day gift. Our senior deals editor, Rikka Altland, spotted the price drop this morning while searching for the best finds of the week. She has worked in service journalism for nearly a decade and is an expert at deal hunting and price-history analysis. Altland also regularly reviews tech for a living, frequently collaborating with CNN Underscored's team of testing experts.
USA Today
12-06-2025
- USA Today
Need a gift for dad ASAP? Shop my favorite last-minute ideas with fast delivery
Need a gift for dad ASAP? Shop my favorite last-minute ideas with fast delivery My recommendations include DeWalt tools, Kindle e-readers, golf rangefinders and even a clever Battery Daddy. Father's Day 2025 is on Sunday, June 15, and if you haven't secured the perfect gift yet, you're not alone. The good news? There's still time to score thoughtful, fun and downright useful last-minute gifts that'll arrive on time. Amazon Prime members can get free, fast delivery on tons of popular products from Philips Norelco grooming tools and the new Apple AirPods 4 to DeWalt power tools and Kindle e-readers. One of my personal favorite gift ideas is this Battery Daddy storage organizer. Stay with me. I received this as a Christmas gift about five years ago and it has been a mainstay in my home ever since. I never have to dig around my junk drawer only to find five dead AA batteries. Trust me, dad will appreciate this thing. Whether your dad's a golfer, a gadget guy, a bookworm or really impossible to shop for, I've highlighted the best last-minute Father's Day gifts on Amazon that ship fast and feel anything but rushed. Last-minute Father's Day gift ideas that will arrive before Sunday, June 15 Not an Amazon Prime member? What are you waiting for? Join now to get free, fast delivery and so many other sweet perks. Acer Gadget Golf Rangefinder Don't forget about dad: Here's 8 last-minute Father's Day golf gift ideas Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 with Connectivity Hybrid Face + Body, Electric Beard Trimmer, Shaver & Body Groomer with 360 Blade Tech Amazon Kindle Scribe 64 GB More: Amazon's top e-reader is $100 off—get the Kindle Scribe today For the techie dad: Shop top Father's Day tech gifts on Amazon Gootop Bug Zapper Outdoor, Mosquito Zapper RedTiger Dash Cam Front Rear, 4K/2.5K Full HD Dash Camera Head Shavers for Bald Men: 5-in-1 Electric Razor More: The editor-approved Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 is 20% off for Father's Day Ontel Battery Daddy Storage + Organizer Case with Tester DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Amazon Echo Spot Kuxisa Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor More: Amazon has up to 50% off the most popular power tools and hand tools The biggest benefit for Amazon Prime members is same-day, one-day and two-day delivery options on millions of products. The free and fast delivery perk makes shopping more convenient than ever. Other benefits include: Prime Video: Prime members have access to Prime Video's extensive selection of premium content accessible across multiple devices. Users can stream and watch movies, television series, documentaries and live sports, including productions from Amazon MGM Studios; licensed popular titles; and content from partners like Max, Crunchyroll, and MGM+ via Prime Video Channels add-on subscriptions. More: Unlock a world of entertainment with this ultimate guide to Amazon Prime Video Special access to sales and lightning deals: Members get early access to select sales and timed lightning deals throughout the year, including events like Prime Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Prime Big Deal Days, Amazon's Beauty Haul and more. Discounts on groceries: Prime members can shop Amazon Fresh online or in-store and save 10% thanks to exclusive deals. Get unlimited free delivery on orders of $35 or more from Whole Foods Market, Amazon Fresh and local retailers for $9.99 per month. Prime Fuel savings: Save $0.10 a gallon at more than 7,000 participating gas stations across the country. More: Save 20¢ per gallon with this Amazon Prime Fuel Savings offer this June How much does Amazon Prime cost? New members can try one week of Amazon Prime benefits for just $1.99. After that, Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year. The annual plan will save you about $40 total compared to paying monthly. More: Is an Amazon Prime membership worth it? Here's what you need to know
