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The Secrets to Being Stink-Free

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Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio Finding the right deodorant or antiperspirant can feel weirdly difficult. Maybe your go-to product suddenly stops working, maybe you're tired of pit stains ruining your clothes, or maybe you're still not entirely sure what the difference is between deodorant and antiperspirant in the first place. In this episode, Wirecutter senior staff writer Abbie Kozolchyk explains why choosing an underarm product is so personal. She breaks down the science behind sweat and body odor, debunks common fears about aluminum, and shares what she learned from testing dozens of products with everyone from teenagers to older adults. Plus, we hear about one of the strangest jobs in the personal care industry: a professional armpit sniffer. This episode covers The difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. Deodorant masks odor and antiperspirant reduces sweat. Underst...

The Best Antiperspirants

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Even as a native of Southern Arizona — home of the monthslong triple-digit heat streak — I didn’t really know sweat until I moved to New York City, where summers are as soupy as they are hot, and the quest to stay dry becomes a battle royale between you and the daily dew point. Without a good antiperspirant, you’ve conceded defeat before the end of the first block. Unlike deodorants , which reduce odor and may also absorb moisture, antiperspirants contain aluminum derivatives that temporarily plug your sweat ducts to prevent (or at least reduce) perspiration. Although antiperspirants typically fight odor as well, dryness is their defining mission. Aiming to find the best ones for the most people, I compiled a starter list of 41 to evaluate, chose 27 for preliminary testing among my colleagues, and arrived at 14 finalists to send to a panel of 15 testers across genders and Gens (Z through X, specifically). After months of trials in multiple places with varied clim...

The Best Coasters

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A coaster doesn’t just protect a surface from stains and scratches — it also gives you a chance to show off your personality and style. Whether you’re entertaining guests at a dinner party or cozying up with a hot tea on the couch, a cute coaster somehow makes that beverage more special — and protects your furniture, to boot. We placed drinks on dozens of coasters made with an array of materials, from stylish felt to whimsical resin, to find our favorites. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/64JfC9G via IFTTT

The Best Full-Length Mirrors

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Growing up, I spent roughly four hours a day, six days a week, staring at myself in wall-to-wall mirrors. This was a necessary (if narcissistic-feeling) aspect of studying ballet. But as I grew older, I was relieved to experience mirrors not merely as tools for ensuring that I look presentable but also as design objects. For this guide, I kept both form and function in mind while seeking the best ones. Everything we recommend Making waves: Lulu and Georgia Sarah Sherman Samuel Ripple Mirror. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Multipurpose and standalone: IKEA Ikornnes Mirror. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Art Deco glam: Article Alice Floor Mirror. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Sculptural lines: West Elm Mid-Century Asymmetrical Wood Floor Mirror. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Simple and functional: Mercer41 Dronfield Metal Arch Mirror. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter Making waves: Lulu and Georgia Sarah Sherman Samuel Ripple Mirror. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wi...

The Very Best 4th of July Deals, Including Summer Discounts You Won’t See Anywhere Else

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The sun is out, your fan's on high, and you've got a new favorite pair of sunglasses. From dining al fresco to cheering on your favorite sports teams, there’s a lot to fill your days. There are also plenty of Fourth of July sales underway. Deals on big-ticket items like mattresses , furniture, and appliances are here as expected, but we’re also seeing markdowns on products to help you beat the heat over the sweltering dog days ahead. That includes airy clothes and linens, gobs of sunscreen, outdoor gear and travel favorites, and even sales on school supplies . When you’re not basking safely at the beach, grilling up tasty barbecue, or enjoying some necessary R&R on vacation, these expert-vetted deals are worth a look. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/Y5WcRh8 via IFTTT

The Best Bluetooth Wireless Headphones

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Earbuds are discreet and convenient to use, but if you want to get the best wireless sound for the money, choose over-ear Bluetooth headphones. Although no single headphones set is a perfect match for everyone, the JBL Tour One M2 comes darn close. We love this pair’s customizable sound, stellar call clarity, and days-long battery life — plus, it includes some bonus features usually reserved for pricier pairs. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/E0UM8kg via IFTTT

The Best Cotton Sheets

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I’ve spent about a decade testing sheets at Wirecutter, which sounds like an odd way to spend a career. Sheets are one of those life basics that seem so simple, they’re hardly worth obsessing over. Do they fit on the bed? Do they feel good? What else is there? Oh, but believe me, I obsess over them. You spend so much time nestled between bedsheets that it’s actually one of the most intimate relationships in your life. They carry sense memories, and feelings of comfort and home, too. They’re with you when you’re sick, they’re with you when you’re tired, and they’re with you when you’re up to something that might involve putting a little Marvin Gaye on in the background. And cotton sheets are the most basic of basics. You might dabble in linen or treat yourself to flannel, but cotton sheets — the percales and the sateens — are the most common and versatile sheets you buy. In this guide we’ve included the 10 best sheets we’ve tested over the years: Some are reliable c...