“There is extensive research validating the topical effects of vitamin A on anti-aging, anti-acne, reduction of hyperpigmentation, and preventative skincare applications since its first publication in 1943,” says Genesis Velazquez, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Elitegen Innovation. And yet, with all the research, one thing still remains wildly unclear to the public: the difference between retinol and retinoids. With that in mind, we chatted with Velazquez, as well as two dermatologists and a celebrity esthetician about the topic....

On a mission to regain control over my wavy hair, I explored Sephora’s clean hair care aisle and discovered the woman-owned Dae hair brand. Immediately, I was drawn to the Monsoon Moisture Milk Hydrating Shampoo and Monsoon Moisture Hydrating Conditioner duo—yes, the minty hue was eye-catching, but the desert-derived botanical ingredients are what sold me. Meadowfoam seed oil, moringa leaf extract, and cactus flower extract combine forces to replenish hair with potassium, vitamins, and antioxidants that strengthen strands while preventing breakage and restoring deep moisture for a gentle glossy finish....

As a skincare-loving shopping editor, I’ve tried many of them for myself, and my favorite by a mile is the Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum. This serum is part skincare, part makeup, and all beneficial for my face. As the name implies, it enhances my skin’s natural glow by evening out any hyperpigmentation, providing light coverage where I need it, and nourishing with several trusted skincare ingredients. The anti-aging hero hyaluronic acid is able to plump and hydrate skin while fine lines are smoothed away via squalane and peptides....

When I originally started my coat search, I thought I wanted to purchase one by a different well-known brand. But my search did a hard pivot when I happened upon the REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie 2.0 that’s currently available in gray, teal, and red in sizes XS to 3X. Don’t let the name fool you; this is far more than a hoodie. Instead, it’s a packable jacket that folds down into its left pocket should you ever need to compactly store it while traveling....

I’d been looking for denim in straight leg or mom styles (since, like many millennials, I’m guilty of owning way too many pairs of skinny jeans), and the moment I came across this pair, I knew they were the ones. They’re high-waisted and ankle-skimming, with a cozy stretch fit and medium-wash coloring. Best of all, they come in short and even extra-short lengths (in addition to regular, long, and extra-long in the 000-20 size range), giving me cautious hope when I grabbed a short pair off the shelf that they’d actually be the right length....

1. Keep Cleaning Supplies Where They’re Easy to Grab To make all of these habits easier to adopt, you’ll want to stash cleaning supplies and tools in a convenient, easy-to-reach spot. Store a good-smelling cleaning spray (I’m obsessed with this lavender and thyme-scented one) under your kitchen sink. And leave a cleaning cloth dedicated to wiping counters and appliances out on a hook or towel rack. When cleaning essentials are easy to reach, you’ll have one less excuse to procrastinate on cleaning....

The truth is, a serving size of food is not the same as a portion size of food. So what’s the difference? And how does your serving size affect your portion size, and vice versa? To get to the bottom of it, we tapped Jessica Green, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, to break it down. What Is a Serving Size? Simply put, a serving size is a specific and standardized amount of food like 1 cup, two slices, or 30 grams....

If you don’t have a microwave, you can still make this quick dinner. You can either fill a pot with 1 inch of water and fit it with a steamer basket or parboil potatoes without a steamer basket. This method will take a bit longer to cook and roast the potatoes than the microwave method, so don’t worry if the time runs a little longer.

Known for its wide range of figure-enhancing and flattering shapewear and underwear, the editor-loved brand replicated its success with this simple yet chic fall maxi dress you’ll want to wear again and again. The blend of modal and spandex gives the ribbed piece its coveted stretch and super soft, “cozy” texture that customers say feels like wearing a “second skin.” The square neckline complements the long sleeves, for a comfortable and stylish fit....

With an average 4.7-star rating from over 650 customers, the Sinen Candle Wick Trimmer is made of durable stainless steel and has clippers that are sharp enough to cut through even wood wicks. Before lighting your candle each time, all you have to do is trim the wick about an eighth of an inch. Not only will this help prevent the jar from turning black, it’ll also make your candles last so much longer since they’ll burn properly....

To buy: From $26 (was $50); amazon.com. With a breathable memory foam cushion, a stretchy knit design that molds to the shape of your feet, and a removable insole that you can easily switch out with other orthopedic options if you prefer, the Cleo flats have it all. They’re “the most comfortable flats” one shopper found in recent years. Reviewers pair them with everything, including jeans, skirts, and long maxi dresses, and they’re comfortable enough to wear all day, whether it’s to work or a casual outing....

“The entire home was very 90s before the renovation,” she says. The couple decided to start working on updating their kitchen first, and once they saw the dramatic difference a modernization made, they couldn’t resist a project in the nearby bathroom. “We didn’t actually budget for the bathroom at all until we saw the finished kitchen,” she says. The room was covered in a cream shade, from the countertops to the backsplash, and had a vanity that was punctuated by a large mirror....

“He envisioned a sensitive renovation to the existing 1940s structure and additions to accommodate a growing multi-generational family,” says Killy Scheer, owner and principal of the design firm Scheer & Co. “Our goal for the project was to respect the history of the camp while adding square footage and modernizing key spaces.” Scheer worked alongside architect Chris Sanders of Sanders Architecture for the job, in which the original home was brought up to date, a barn was built, and a two-story guest house came to be....

Because Spanx rarely launches a single product, there are three dresses in classic silhouettes that are part of the collection: The Perfect Sheath Dress, The Perfect A-Line 3/4 Sleeve Dress, and The Perfect Fit & Flare Dress. While all three have slightly different styles, they all feature the same smoothing premium ponte fabric that offers four-way stretch. Plus, all three little black dresses are designed for you to pull-on and zip up yourself....

Leather fabrics are a sleek staple for fall. They add edge to an outfit when you’re feeling boring, but are adaptable and appropriate for a myriad of occasions. If I had a dime for each time I wore leather leggings when the weather dropped below 60 degrees, I’d be able to buy another one of these dresses. The dresses themselves can be styled with a bodysuit or tights underneath to add texture, or as displayed by the model, since they still appear striking alone....