I'm lusting after this burgundy Crock-Pot, and it's on sale for Valentine's Day

While chocolates and long-stemmed roses remain among the most popular Valentine's Day gifts, I can't think of anything sexier than a new Crock-Pot. Wait, where are you going? Hear me out! I'm not talking about any old Crock-Pot — I'm talking about the stunning burgundy Crock-Pot 6-Quart Slow Cooker I caught sight of this morning. As a former pro baker who obsesses over all things kitchen, I started envisioning how gorgeous the color (dubbed "Lambrusco Red") would look on my counter. I'm writing this in hopes that my husband will get the hint: After all, it's on sale for just $40 at Target and will arrive before Feb. 14. Plus, it's really for both of us since I'd let him use it. Well, maybe.
Related: The best Valentine's Day gifts from Amazon, Walmart, Sephora and more
This is the lowest price I'm seeing anywhere for this color — yes, even Walmart and Amazon have priced it higher. It's likely on sale because it's a holiday color, but I think this reddish-purple hue is very romantic for Valentine's Day. Plus, the fact that it's not bright pink makes it suitable for year-round use.
Related: Surprise your Valentine with Drew Barrymore's heart-shaped Dutch oven, only $40
While I could go on and on about how beautiful I think this kitchen essential is, I do realize that appliances should, first and foremost, perform well. Seeing as Crock-Pot is a trusted brand that's been making slow cookers for many decades, I have no reason to believe this stunner would give a home cook any trouble.
What makes slow cookers so ingenious is that they let you prepare meals that take a long time without having to babysit them. They don't say "set it and forget it" for nothing! You could toss ingredients in before you leave for work and have a delicious dinner ready to go by the time you get home. This Crock-Pot also has a Cook & Carry locking lid, which tightly seals everything when you're taking it on the go. (Invite me to your dinner parties and I'll bring over some queso!) Speaking of dinner parties, it can also hold enough food to feed at least seven people. And if you want to give your mac and cheese a little crispy finish, the stoneware bowl can go in ovens up to 400°F.
Now, I'm the sort of person who wants my appliances to be as user-friendly as possible — and with just two buttons, this model is just that. There's a button that allows you to set the cooker to "Low" for 8 or 10 hours, or "High" for 4 or 6 hours. It also has a "Warm" function if you just want your food to stay hot. The other button? "Off." Yeah, I think I can handle that.
This aesthetically pleasing pot is, well, no crock — it scores high marks in both the looks and performance departments.
"[I] made an eight-hour recipe today and it performed perfectly!" exclaimed one satisfied shopper. "Beyond performance, I like the more modern appearance, the digital controls and the rubber bumper around the lid. Would definitely recommend if you're in the market for a new slow cooker."
"Great Crock-Pot!" raved another. "Works as it should. [It] traveled to Christmas [and] got lots of compliments on its color! [It] also kept smokies very warm on the car ride."
"So far, this Crock-Pot works well," shared a third. "I love that the lid locks and the timer works well. The color is nice. It is easy to clean."
"Quickly heats up," wrote a buyer, adding, "The warm option seems to be too high. I had to continue stirring my queso so it wouldn't burn, even on [the] warm setting."
"I think it might run a bit hotter than any Crock-Pot I have used before," echoed a final reviewer. "I wish the time wasn't preset, but maybe a dial option or something like that in one-hour increments."
Psst: Did you know that Crock-Pot has a Designer Series?
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Buzz Feed

an hour ago

• Buzz Feed

32 Beginner-Friendly Home Upgrades That Look Pro

A 30-pack of picture hooks, which makes hanging pictures and mirrors on walls easy peasy. Just push, twist, and insert into drywall or plaster, no tools required. These hooks saved the day (and my walls) after I failed miserably with nails, screws, and adhesive strips while trying to put together a gallery wall in my dining room. Instead of fumbling to find a study to drill into (what am I, a magician?) or risking smashed fingers with another ill-fitting nail, I used these to hang my art quickly and safely. You just push them into the wall and twist until only the hook portion is visible. No stud-finding, no pre-drilling, no anchors — just push, twist, and hang. I honestly don't understand why these aren't in every household. They're that good. Get it from The Home Depot for $14.98. A top-down, bottom-up Roman shade that looks high-end but installs with just a couple of screws. It filters in soft, natural light while still giving you privacy, and the cordless design makes your space feel instantly more tailored. No rods, no fancy tools, no stress. Promising review: "The fit is fantastic and matches my measurements perfectly. I love the texture and the convenience of adjusting the height easily. It's great that I can raise them from the bottom or lower them from the top. Considering the level of customization, I believe the pricing is fair. I wanted light filtering, and these curtains provide the perfect amount of privacy for our bathroom." —C-RodGet it from Amazon for $37.49+ (available in 20 colors and over 100 sizes; be sure to clip the 25% off coupon when applicable). An outlet light if you need a little light here and there. Perfect for those of us who take nightly bathroom breaks or want to safely get to the kitchen for a midnight snack without turning on all the lights. A roll of window privacy film that'll instantly make your windows look more modern while keeping prying eyes out. It filters in natural light but blurs the view, so you can go about your day without giving the whole neighborhood a front-row seat. Promising review: "I absolutely love this product! I installed it on my bathroom window. It's an older house, and for some unknown reason, the builders put a window right above the bathtub! Curtains and shades are impossible to keep clean, since mold grows there easily, so I decided to try this instead. It adheres beautifully to the glass and lets enough light in that I can keep a cute plant perched on the windowsill. Highly recommend!" —NancyHGet it from Amazon for $7.98+ (available in three sizes and four styles). A privacy window film to turn any window into a rainbow factory. When the light hits it, your space will be covered in rainbows. And when the light isn't hitting it, it looks like ornate stained glass. Or some stained glass window film that's a triple threat: it provides privacy, insulation, and it looks freakin' cool. Real stained glass windows are, what, a billion dollars? No thank you!! A stick of Erase-A-Hole putty to cover up the holes in your wall caused by nails. It also works on wood and plaster! A collection of antique-style brass cabinet pulls that'll make your existing cabinetry look new again. One of the most dramatic ways to change the look of drawers and cabinets is to swap out the hardware, and it's soooo easy. Promising review: "These are so nice and heavy. Such great quality for the price. They look amazing on the kitchen cabinets. I would recommend these for sure!" —Kindle CustomerGet a pack of 10 from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in different quantities, styles, and finishes). Or a set of ceramic apple knobs that'll give your cabinets an easy (and cute!) upgrade. Instead of settling for the blasé hardware that comes standard in rentals, swap it out for something fun like these itsy bitsy apples. Promising review: "I LOVE everything about these cute little cabinet knobs, and they're soooo easy to install — everything was right inside 😀" —Sheryl a set of 10 from Amazon for $14.99. Some pre-made wall panels to elevate your walls to the next level. The only things you need are a nail gun and glue (or Command strips if you're a renter) to get the look. A pack of five refillable multi-surface touch up paint pens that'll effortlessly fix scratches and nicks on walls, doors, and cabinetry in your bathroom. Just fill up a pen with paint of your choice and fill in the problem area. Slobproof is a small business that makes paint touch-up review: "I keep these in my kitchen drawer and it's SO convenient for my painted cabinets! I moved into a house with older wood cabinets, and because it's such a small kitchen, I knew that painting the cabinets white (actually went with cream!) would make it feel so much larger! I LOVE the way they look, but inevitably (even though I sanded and prepped), I'll get little chips in the paint. These touch-up pens stay in my junk drawer full of paint at all times. The cap makes it so it never dries out and stays super clean. But I'm able to grab them any time and just touch things up so my cabinets ALWAYS look fresh." —Claire FloresGet it from Slobproof on Amazon for $24.99 (available in a pack of two or five). Some floating shelves to install in your bathroom to give your pretty things a place to shine. Most bathrooms just have a few towel rods, so installing these will give you plenty of opportunities to show off your gorgeous candles, ceramics, and hand towels. Promising review: "These shelves are so beautiful! My bathroom doesn't have a counter around the sink so this is perfect. It is modern and sleek and the wood and cast-iron shelves are very well built and sturdy. I was surprised that these are such high quality considering the price." —VincentGet a set of two from Amazon for $21.99+ (available in seven finishes). A mold-resistant white grout pen for covering grout stains with a fresh coat of waterproof white paint. Each pen can cover up to 150 feet of grout. Be sure to clean your grout beforehand, as this pen covers stains that will be easier to cover if the surface is are 11 different grout colors available: white, winter gray, light gray, gray, dark gray, black, ivory, cream, beige, brown, and terracotta. You can view all the colors review: "I have 12-inch white tile in my whole house that is 20 years old. Even though I kept it looking nice, the grout still was getting dark. I cleaned the grout and let it dry well until the next day, then used the grout pen. It looks like it is brand-new. One thing that I found out was that if the tip of the pen starts to look worn, you can just pull it out and turn it over — it is the same tip on both ends. It will take some time to do the whole house, but it looks so great that I will just do a section at a time 'til I finish. One other thing that I did was run my finger down the grout line after I applied the grout pen, then wipe down the tile line with a paper towel so no other cleanup was necessary." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in a narrow or wide tip). An under-cabinet lighting kit to give any space — kitchen, closet, bookshelf, you name it — a warm, ambient glow that instantly elevates the whole room. It's peel-and-stick, comes with a remote, and makes everything look a little more pulled together. Promising review: "I have five different sets in the kitchen and the adjacent living room. These are extremely easy to install, and you can adjust the warmth from very yellow to bright white. The quality is excellent, and there are no problems after months of use. I only use one remote control for all sets, but I could program each remote to control each set independently if I wanted to. Great value for the price." —John TrivesterGet 20 feet from Amazon for $19.99+ (also available in color). A roll of peel-and-stick subway tile backsplash if your kitchen's walls are blank and you want to give them an upgrade. These are extra great if you're a renter — they don't damage the wall at all if you ever need to remove them. Promising review: "I've been wanting to try peel-and-stick tiles for a long time, and I'm so glad I found these for our kitchen facelift! They are so easy to apply and look amazing! I love that they are actual-size subway tiles as well! They've given our kitchen the last very important piece that it needed!" —April Grill Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in 13 colors; be sure to clip the $10 off coupon when applicable). Or a peel-and-stick wallpaper for adding a colorful backsplash to your kitchen without having to, you know, install an actual backsplash. Talk about a renter-friendly DIY find! A pack of six furniture markers to cover up small nicks and cuts in your wood furniture and floors. Each kit comes with the most common wood colors (cherry, mahogany, walnut, black, maple, and oak) and matching crayons for easy filling when the damaged area is a little deep. Promising review: "I am thoroughly impressed! We have a 115-plus-year-old house, and we only have hardwood in our downstairs hall and den. We didn't want to spend tons of money because we are probably going to be replacing the flooring in a few years. I'm actually still working on this as I'm writing this, but I am so impressed that I just had to write a review right away. The only 'negative' I have is that the colors are darker than the caps show, but it's not a big deal. For the money, you can't go wrong." —BorgGet them from Amazon for $8.99. A dual-spray showerhead for a better bathing experience. The handheld head is great for making sure you never get out of the shower not realizing your hair still has conditioner in it. A hidden storage box disguised as a beautiful collection of books. Now, instead of having your electronics and all their cords on display, they'll be covered up by what looks like a top-tier curation of books. A Tushy bidet that'll turn your apartment bathroom into a space that feels a little more thought-out and a lot more comfortable. Its simple design and adjustable pressure offer a clean, comfortable experience while helping you save $$$ on toilet paper. Installation takes 10 minutes and requires no electricity or additional plumbing. Some peel-and-stick floor tiles if you're unhappy with the way your current bathroom or kitchen floors look. These are half an inch thick and made of vinyl, so they can withstand a lot of foot traffic. They're also water-resistant and washable. Each box has 10 12" x 12" tiles. Promising review: "Best purchase ever, love that it brightened and give my bathroom a new fresh look. Easy to put together and only took about two hours." —BillyGet it from Amazon for $15.50. A plug-in wall sconce that's powered by an electrical outlet, because not all of us can or want to hire an electrician to install a more permanent light fixture. It's also got a dimmer. Promising review: "These lamps are perfect for over the bed. They have two switches. One is on the base to dim them, and then a lower switch is needed for when you are tired and don't want to reach that high! Perfect!" —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in black or gold, and in packs of one or two). Or a plug-in wall sconce with a fabric lampshade if you're looking for something with a softer aesthetic. Promising review: "We wanted to get rid of the large lamps we were using because the bedroom is small, and we didn't want to spend a lot of money. These are very easy to install and the price is great. Everything arrived in perfect shape and we love that the switch is on the base and not on the cord, that way we can use decorative cord covers. The swivel makes it nice to move into the perfect position. I might purchase another set for our guest room." —VWBugGeekGet a pack of two from Amazon for $49.99 (available in three colors). A set of removable tile decals that are specifically designed for stairs. They come in a roll just like tape, so you slap them on your risers and — boom! — you're done. Quadrostyle is a woman-founded small business from Aussie designer Gabrielle Morabia. With operations based in Bali and an HQ in the south of France, Quadrostyle embraces all corners of the globe and takes inspiration from the traditional tiles found in the Mediterranean, Latin America, and review: "It turned out amazing! And completely easy to install. It totally changed our space. We love it!" —jaclynnancekivell Get it from Quadrostyle on Etsy for $17.49+ (available in six heights and matte or gloss finishes). A pair of LED stained glass bulbs if you want your ceiling and walls to erupt with rainbows every time you turn on the light. If you don't have the option to paint your walls but love color, this is the product for you. A set of NoNo Brackets that cleverly snap onto your existing vertical blinds so you can hang your own curtains. This is crucial if you're a renter who can't remove your blinds but still want to have your own window treatments up. An expandable shelf for under your sink that adjusts itself around your awkwardly shaped pipe. You will be able to fit so much more stuff under your sink when you use this! Measures 15 inches long x 11.25 inches wide x 15 inches high and can expand to 25 inches review: "I'm so glad I bought this. I have a 24-inch vanity in my bathroom and this fit perfectly. I have it extended to about 23-inch and it holds sturdy, though I can see if you were to extend it to its full length it gets weak in the middle. I liked it so much that I ordered another one for the kitchen. I got some clear bins to help organize bottles and other goodies I keep in the bath." —Marlene it from Amazon for $24.87 (available in three finishes). A pack of 16 solar-powered outdoor lights that clip right onto your balcony's ledge. Warm nights spent out on your balcony will be so much nicer when you have proper mood lighting. Promising review: "Developed a garden on the apartment patio, and wanted to add some lights along the railing to give it some character. These solar lights are not too bright and were easy to install. All the lights work, which is great. Better than I could have hoped for. 👍" —KMFGet it from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in two colors and also a set of 20). An ultra-thin socket cover to tame the mess of plugs and cords behind your furniture without sticking out (literally). It sits flat against the wall and runs the cord neatly along the baseboard, so your outlets stay functional *and* visually unoffensive. Some motion-activated, battery-powered night-lights to illuminate dark areas in your home. I use these in closets, deep cabinets, and my bathroom that has a really loud fan that turns on every time I switch the light on. A pair of crystal drawer knobs if you want to feel like you live in an opulent mansion instead of a one-bedroom apartment. These antique-inspired knobs will dress up doors and furniture alike. Satin nickel switch plates because good design is in the details. Walls can be so drab, and this is basically a snazzy accessory to jazz yours up.

CNN

3 hours ago

• CNN

We tested LeBron James' The Shop grooming line to see if it's GOAT material

The Shop men's grooming quick picks An invigorating scrub: The Shop Face Wash Daily Exfoliating Cleanser A generous moisturizer: The Shop Face Lotion Daily Hydrator Kind on your scalp: The Shop 2-in-1 Hair Wash Daily Moisturizing Shampoo LeBron James' status as the GOAT of basketball is much debated, but we put the legend's hooping acumen aside to dissect the pros and cons of a different section of the 21-time NBA All-Star's résumé: his line of men's grooming products, The Shop. First released in the spring of 2024, it's a lineup of seven grooming solutions designed to work for all guys, regardless of their skin care and hair care needs. The brand remains rooted in the same barbershop culture as James' talk show of the same name. 'The barbershop for me growing up was always that place where you can be your true self and come out an even better version of yourself,' James told CNN Underscored over email. 'It's where I learned about life, sports, food, music, the latest news. You name it, I learned about it from the male figures and people I looked up to in the barbershop.' Affordability was a driving force behind the project, with every product just $10 and now available online and in stores at Walmart. 'We wanted these products to be accessible to everyone — not just for a select few, but for every guy looking to simplify their routine and get what they need efficiently,' James said. 'It goes back to the 'look good, feel good' mantra that I latched on to when I was young.' James' intentions are pure, but as with any celebrity brand, we wanted to find out if any of these grooming products are actually good. So, we stocked five CNN Underscored product reviewers with the entire line and had them overhaul their routines for a month. Some of the products became instant favorites we'd buy again and again, while others split our panel with mixed reviews. Here are the results. The Shop Face Wash Daily Exfoliating Cleanser The word 'daily' isn't something we'd label this face wash with because it was too harsh on sensitive skin, but its exfoliating qualities made it a favorite of nearly our entire panel. The Shop claims this face wash is a twice-daily exfoliator, and that simply didn't line up with our assessment. It contains small exfoliating particles that were too abrasive for one tester with sensitive skin. Though they aren't microbeads, which have been banned from cosmetics since 2015, the particles had a similar consistency. That said, four of our five testers voted that they'd purchase this cleanser again. They loved how smooth and fresh it left their faces when only using it sparingly — one even went as far as to say it felt 'damn near luxurious.' One tester occasionally mixed it in his routine to complement his daily salicylic acid cleanser and noticed his skin looked brighter. What we liked: The inclusion of menthol provided an invigorating jolt in the morning, and while our testers wouldn't use this daily, they did appreciate how clean and fresh their faces felt after using the cleanser. What we didn't like: It felt too harsh for daily use and the physical exfoliating particles may irritate sensitive skin. Because the container is stored upside-down, it also often oozes out as soon as the cap is opened. The Shop Face Lotion Daily Hydrator Our testers couldn't agree on the scent of this moisturizer, but they did concur that a little dab from the 3.4-ounce container was enough to hydrate your whole face. More than one tester on our panel lauded the fact that 'a little goes a long way' when applying The Shop's face lotion. Most agreed that it wasn't too heavy of a layer on their face, and it was especially beneficial for rehydrating after a workout (which, unbeknownst to most of the panel, was what made this James' favorite product in the line). Three of our five testers agreed they would consider purchasing another bottle of the face lotion, with one noting that it would likely be making a permanent home in his toiletry bag when traveling. What we liked: This lightweight lotion delivers a hydrating effect and absorbs quickly into skin. Most of our testers didn't feel that it left them feeling greasy after applying. What we didn't like: The scent of this lotion (it packs an earthy smell reminiscent of grass clippings) and its lack of any SPF were our only two gripes. It would need to be paired with another product to protect against the sun. A few testers called out Harry's Daily Facial Lotion and Jack Black Double-Duty Face Moisturizer as alternatives. The Shop Shave Cream Soothing Skin Guard Shaving is a ritual of consistency. All our testers found this shaving cream to be a worthy alternative to the lubricants they're used to. Our panel had a wide range of shaving needs, so we tried this shave cream on our faces, bodies and even our heads. The best endorsement we can give is that none of our testers found this to be a step down from the lubricant they usually deploy, whether that be a gel or an oil. The head shaver in our group used The Shop's cream multiple times to shave his entire noggin and came away without a single nick. The consistency of the cream is not very foamy but rather one that creates a thin layer across your skin. Razors glided through and left smooth skin behind for a clean shave. What we liked: It worked for a variety of shaving needs, including body and head shaves, and all our testers reported smooth results with each pass. What we didn't like about: Not much. The only request from our testing panel was a smaller size that could accommodate travel restrictions; it currently is only sold in a 7-ounce tube. The Shop Aftershave Toner Anti-Bump Solution Our group was split on the sting that came with applying this toner after a close shave. It's not among our top recommendations from The Shop. While one of our testers appreciated the soothing qualities of this toner after a shave, he admittedly is not a frequent shaver. The rest of our group was undecided on the benefits. The woodsy scent was pleasant, but three testers reported more sting than usual when applying the toner after shaving. As far as signs of irritation go, it helped prevent razor bumps but couldn't fully eliminate lingering redness on one individual's neck. This is one product in the line that is probably worth trying for $10, though your personal experience could vary from ours. What we liked: This toner reduced irritation for multiple skin types when applying after a shave. What we didn't like: Several of our testers experienced a stinging sensation that wasn't as soothing as intended. The Shop Beard Cream With Leave-In Conditioner For transparency and comprehensiveness, we're including The Shop's Beard Cream. Most of our panel prefers a clean-shaven look, so this did not get enough use in testing to form a fair assessment. None of our testers maintain facial hair long enough to require beard cream. It's intended to give your beard a shiny look while also hydrating the skin beneath it. The Shop 2-in-1 Hair Wash Daily Moisturizing Shampoo The value in this 12-ounce bottle made this one of the best 2-in-1 hair washes our testers have tried. Two of our testers are bald or nearly bald, so we had a smaller sample size of opinions on the 2-in-1 hair wash. Still, the remaining three participants were wowed by the results for a $10 2-in-1 product. Typically, you're sacrificing quality to put shampoo and conditioner into a single product. Here, though, we found the subtle scent and cleansing capabilities to be pleasantly surprising. The Shop's hair wash lathers into hair and massages the scalp, leading to a moisturized feel that isn't dry or flaky. One individual felt that he would need to supplement it with an additional conditioner to achieve the desired softness he prefers in his hair. What we liked: It hydrated our testers' scalps to an extent that far outperformed a $10 product. What we didn't like: One of our testers found it to lack the conditioning he would want in a true 2-in-1 product. We also found that the bottle pours too fast, leaving you with more shampoo in your hands than needed. The Shop Nourishing Hair Pomade This pomade worked for multiple hair types in our testing panel, though all participants said they'd likely return to their usual hair-styling product for better results. Two of our testers have thicker, straight hair, while another has short 3A curly hair. The Shop's Nourishing Hair Pomade worked to a varying degree for each of them and lasted throughout the day, so there's something to be said about the product's versatility. But while other items in the line outperformed their price point, the hairstyling pomade fell short. Among the complaints we heard from our panel was that it was hard to remove from the container, it had a waxy feeling and it produced a shiny (and perhaps greasy) appearance. This wasn't a standout product compared to other options on the market. What we liked: This pomade held throughout the day. All the testers who used it found it easy to apply with just a small dollop. What we didn't like: No one on our panel said they would buy it again because it didn't produce the look they typically go for. It worked better in straight hair than curly hair. To assess LeBron James' line of men's grooming products, The Shop, five CNN Underscored staffers with varied skin types, hair types and grooming needs, tried them for a month. Senior tech editor Mike Andronico has balanced skin and shaves his head. He maintains a simple skin care routine that he's started to put more effort into in recent years, especially with daily cleansing and moisturizing. Strategy and operations manager DaVonne Bacchus has normal to dry skin. He has a complete daily skin care routine consisting of cleansing twice a day, toner, vitamin C serum, face lotion and sunscreen. Associate testing writer Joe Bloss has normal to oily skin and maintains a borderline-bald buzz cut. He shaves twice a week and uses a cleanser and a moisturizer twice daily. He looks for products to help develop a better, more comprehensive skin care routine. Associate programming editor Kevin Martinez has dry skin and short, 3A curly hair. He has a basic routine and has previously tested under-eye patches. Copy chief Daniel Toy has oily, sensitive skin and thick, fast-growing hair. He generally uses Cetaphil face wash and Harry's products for his daily routine, though he's always looking for anything easy on his sensitive skin. Where can I buy LeBron James' The Shop grooming line? Where can I buy LeBron James' The Shop grooming line? The Shop line of products does have a shoppable page on the Uninterrupted website run by SpringHill, the entertainment company founded by James and his business partner Maverick Carter. The Shop is also sold at Walmart and CVS, though the latter didn't carry the brand's hair care products as of this writing. Does LeBron James' The Shop men's grooming line have a subscription? Does LeBron James' The Shop men's grooming line have a subscription? While there is no subscription plan directly through The Shop's website, you can subscribe to recurring purchases at Walmart. However, it doesn't lower the price compared to one-off purchases. Is LeBron James' The Shop men's grooming line suitable for daily use? Is LeBron James' The Shop men's grooming line suitable for daily use? Our testing found some products to be great for daily use, while others were better fits to be used every few days or once a week. The face wash, for example, provided a rigorous exfoliation that's too harsh as a daily cleanser. Several testers, however, liked the face lotion enough to consider it for inclusion in their daily routines. 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 article, a panel of five CNN Underscored editorial staffers tested The Shop's grooming products for a month. They replaced products in their usual skin and hair care routines to see how The Shop altered the results they saw. Associate testing writer Joe Bloss, who has covered other grooming content for CNN Underscored such as the best men's razors, compiled the panel's thoughts and wrote this review.

Hamilton Spectator

3 hours ago

• Hamilton Spectator

Couples tie the knot during a festival on an Amsterdam ring road

AMSTERDAM (AP) — Securing a coveted slot to exchange wedding rings on Amsterdam's usually traffic-choked ring road seemed like a good omen for Zuzanna Lisowska and Yuri Iozzelli's future life together. 'It just seemed like super fun idea,' Lisowska said. 'And, you know, statistics were on our side. There were 400 couples who wanted to do it, so we feel really lucky to have been chosen.' Friends and total strangers cheered and clapped as they told each other 'I do!' as part of a day-long festival on parts of the A10 highway that circles the Dutch capital closed to traffic for the day. 'It's a nice party we didn't have to organize,' said Iozzelli. Their only regret was not being able to bring their pet rabbit. 'It was too hot,' Lisowska said after exchanging rings with Iozzelli. The city that is known for partying said that some 600,000 people tried to get access to the ring road festival last month when more than 200,000 free tickets were made available. Curious city folk, from parents pushing strollers to students and grandparents, stopped to watch the weddings and enjoyed the one-off opportunity to see the road without the usual cacophony of cars. Among them was communications student Kyra Smit. 'It's really fun because it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing,' she said. 'It's so fun that you can say to people, wow, I'm married on the rings, so I really like this.' The day was packed with events from music performances to readings, meetups and a fun run, shortened because of the heat. Organizers even placed a temporary forest of more than 8,000 trees on the blacktop. The municipality laid on extra water taps and places where revellers could slap on sun block as temperatures soared to 30 degrees Celsius (86F) and upwards on the road surface. The city's official birthday is Oct. 27, reflecting the first time a variant of its name was used in an official document, and is staging celebratory events in the year leading up to that date. The festival on the ring road is the biggest so far and gave Amsterdam residents a new view of their ring road. 'It's quite strange because normally you drive here and now you're walking, so that's a totally different situation,' said Marjolein de Bruijne, who works close to the A10. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .