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Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio You’ve probably seen “forever chemicals” make headlines in the past few years. This class of compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have long been used to make nonstick cookware and high-performance raingear. And they’re being phased out in certain product categories because of their health risks. This episode, Wirecutter sustainability editor Katie Okamoto explains the potential health risks of everyday exposure to these slippery synthetic compounds. And she breaks down the new wave of PFAS-free cookware, cosmetics, and outdoor gear, revealing which replacements are actually worth buying — and why your most sustainable bet is often to just keep using the gear you already own. This episode covers: What PFAS actually are: Developed in the 1940s, these compounds are used to make things slick and waterproof. They’ve been used in nonstick co...

When you think about office-appropriate women’s pants, you may picture formal, utilitarian, and uninspired workhorses that you grudgingly pull out on a Monday and gleefully shed on a Friday. These garments typically require the wearer to compromise both on comfort (goodbye, soft pants) and on personal style (hello, basic slacks), all in the service of professional polish and suitability. Yet it turns out that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort (elastic waistbands) or fashion-forwardness (daring details and dramatic cuts) in order to dress appropriately for your job. After searching far and wide — with help from colleagues of different shapes, sizes, and preferences — we collectively tested over 100 pairs of pants, and we landed on eight terrific options. Whether you need a closet full of polished corporate garb, or you prefer versatile, less-traditional options that are still polished enough for occasional office time, we’ve got a pair worth promoting to your ward...

Don’t let their modest name fool you: Flats bring far more than mere practicality to the party. I’d argue that the unrivaled marriage of form and function places this shoe style at the top of the footwear food chain. When it comes to versatility, flats have pretty much everything else out there beat. A great pair can complement most any outfit, reliably taking you from daytime to nighttime and point A to point B in comfort and style. The concept of “having it all” in life — family, career, fancy glass storage containers for different shapes of pasta — may be a pipe dream, but it is possible to get all that you want out of a single pair of flats. For this guide, we researched over 60 pairs of flats and tested 27 in person. To be clear: The styles we tried are not walking shoes intended for epic treks, nor are they orthopedic pairs chosen with special support and cushioning in mind. They’re fashion-first offerings. With that said, we did log real mileage in every pa...

A few years ago, I became aware of a potential problem with the waterproof and long-wearing makeup products I loved: They probably contained PFAS. Also known as forever chemicals, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) truly deliver on their name; some of them are used to create mascara that doesn’t run, foundation that doesn't fade, and eyeliner that can survive a long night of tears. But this class of synthetic chemicals has been linked to a number of health risks. I considered accepting that my makeup might need to run from now on. But as I’ve looked into this topic, I’ve learned that’s not the reality. While the United States does not yet have a federal PFAS ban, multiple European and state-level restrictions are driving industry-wide change. In the US, a California ban, which took effect in January 2025, is likely to have a ripple effect, since California is a powerhouse in the cosmetics market. Some cosmetic companies have also faced lawsuits allegi...

I love a big, fat, soft terry towel. My husband likes terry too, but he wants a thinner, textured towel that can scratch every itch on his back. And my teenager has preferred springy waffle towels for most of her life. We are a house divided, so I long ago abandoned the idea of buying matching bath towels for everyone. People can be very particular when it comes to towels. What feels good to one person may feel unpleasant to another. Yet we spend enough time with towels that we should all enjoy them, and it’s so satisfying to find one that dries well and feels just right on the skin. I've considered hundreds of bath towels, and I’ve had more people approach me about their love for our longtime top picks than anything else I’ve tested for Wirecutter. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/dp56s0N via IFTTT

Cordless vacuums, touchless faucets, bendy straws, and voice-to-text. These innovations were originally designed for people with disabilities, and they worked so well that everybody has come to rely on them. But there aren’t many makeup tools or products worthy of that list … yet. In beauty, universal and adaptive design hasn’t always been a priority. Things like styling your hair or applying makeup may be difficult if you have low vision. And twisting caps, gripping slim, slippery tubes, and opening compacts can be tough for people with arthritis, neurological conditions, or other challenges that affect hand strength and mobility. These barriers “turn a meaningful self-care routine into a frustrating or inaccessible activity,” said occupational therapist Frank Lombardo. To bridge that gap, a growing number of beauty brands are launching accessible makeup and adaptive tools. We wanted to see how well these innovations, as well as other products, worked and if they ...