What Our Editors Are Obsessed With: Favorite Products of the Year

I originally got this as a gift for my boyfriend, but it's become a staple kitchen gadget in our home. It makes the freshest popcorn within five minutes — the closest we've ever gotten to movie theater popcorn at home. I can confidently say we're obsessed with this thing. It feels like a healthier option to bagged popcorn, plus my boyfriend and I are only spending money on kernels over time. We use a tiny bit of olive oil and butter to keep the popcorn from getting dry, but all kernels pop evenly so there's nothing left over. It's such a good gift, especially for a housewarming. It's so cute on our stovetop, and it makes movie nights feel so much more special and cozy. —Alexandra Napoli ($213, Popsmith)

I never thought I would buy into this trend, but this winter I started walking more in the mornings. I wanted to intensify the workout, so I got the Bala Bangles in 2 pounds. Now I wear them nearly every time I go for a walk. They add just enough resistance to make my walks more arduous, making me feel like I got a good workout in before I sit down to start work. The Velcro is extremely strong, so they never come loose. I wear thick socks so they don't rub on my ankles, but they're comfortable to wear. I'm surprised at how much I like them. Now when I walk without them I feel naked in a way. —Alexandra Napoli ($55+, Bala)

I tried these on in-store after my favorite pair broke early in the year, and since then, it’s been me and these sunglasses against the world. I’m very picky with what I wear on my head, since I’m prone to getting headaches at the slightest bit of pressure. But I forget I’m wearing these, since there are no uncomfortable nose pads, and they’re not large enough to touch my cheeks when I smile (one of my pet peeves). They have an off-duty model vibe with a bit of edge. Plus, I’ve dropped them multiple times, and they’ve still held up. Considering I paid full price and this is an insane deal, I’m definitely picking up another pair. —Martha Upton ($89.97, Nordstrom Rack)

I picked up this book after I saw our trusty reads editors talking about it (we even gave it a Good for You Award), and certain parts really stuck with me throughout the year. It’s sort of The Midnight Library mixed with the lessons of About Time, one of the best rom-coms of all time (I will not be taking questions about this). It’s sad in the beginning, but the payoff is worth it. If you’re looking for a book to gift or one that’ll inspire you as you head into the new year, this is it. —Martha Upton ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

This year, I found a skincare staple that isn’t leaving my routine for the foreseeable future: Prequel’s Gleanser. The bestselling cleanser really is that girl. The silky-soft texture leaves my skin feeling clean without being overly stripped, and the drugstore pricing is hard to beat (you get nearly 14 ounces of product for $18). If you have reactive, eczema-prone skin, you’ll love it. It’s fragrance-free and made with glycerin, inulin, oat, and aloe to soothe and hydrate. I can’t travel without it, and I even use it on my body. —Margo Ghertner ($18, Prequel)

My fiancé and I hang dry a lot of our laundry. At the beginning of this year, we needed a drying rack that was spacious and would allow for air to ventilate, but was still compact enough to store in our apartment. This one from Amazon has been a major game changer. Its 16 wooden branches collapse into the main base when not in use, so it can fit neatly in most closets. —Margo Ghertner ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

Now that I'm in my early thirties, I'm focused on maintaining my skin over the long term. No other product has transformed my overall skin health quite like this red-light mask. Even my dermatologist noticed how bright and strong my skin is (and she wholeheartedly cosigns this particular one). Yes, it’s an investment, but I can’t overstate enough how effective it is. As a serious bonus, I genuinely think the red light helps improve my mood and energy. I use it religiously every other day, and those 10 minutes have become a nonnegotiable ritual. —Caroline Goldstein ($395, Omnilux)

If you know me, you know I can't stop evangelizing about this electrolyte powder. It’s the product that has made the biggest difference in my overall wellbeing this year: I notice an immediate improvement in my clarity, focus, and energy when I drink a glass in the mornings. As a certified bad sleeper, this has been a lifesaver on those days when I'm running on very little sleep. It also comes in clutch to help alleviate migraines and tension headaches, and I even chugged it down to heal from a surgery this year (per the advice of my doctor, of course). I truly can’t live without it. —Caroline Goldstein ($44, Ulta)

This product held me down all summer, and now it’s a major need for me (and all my friends, too). If you're like me and have bestie thighs that rub together, or if you tend to sweat under your boobs, then you'll want to have this in your self-care lineup. —Sarai Thompson ($20, Ulta)

Our whole team tested this coat earlier in the year, and now that winter’s creeping back in, I’m very glad it’s in my closet. It’s basically a wearable heater: cozy, warm, and super functional. Anytime someone asks me which coat to buy, I point them straight to this one. I have the Super Puff Shorty in Modern Taupe, and the color works with pretty much any outfit. The hood has also saved me more than once when I’m heading to the train and the sky decides to open up. —Sarai Thompson ($235, Aritzia)

Earlier this year, I went on a hunt for a face cleanser that was thorough and effective. Oil-based cleansers used to intimidate me, but this one from Moo Elixir changed my mind. It's a very lightweight formula so it doesn't feel too thick or oily. I was amazed at how easily my waterproof mascara and liquid liner came off without having to rub a layer off my skin. I love that it has virtually zero scent and effectively removed all of my makeup (even with a few layers of primer on). —Alessandra Rey ($35, Moo Elixir)

I've been a fan of Bose for years, and these over-ear noise-canceling headphones made me a brand loyalist for the rest of my life. The "quiet" mode is my favorite for traveling on busy airplanes, while the "aware" mode makes it easy for me to hear my surroundings when I'm walking around a busy intersection — without losing sound quality, of course. The new colors are super sleek yet versatile, so they pass off as accessories instead of a chunky piece of tech on my head. I have a feeling I'll own these for many, many years. —Alessandra Rey ($399, Bose)