The Wirecutter Show

Technically, summer doesn’t end until September, but many kids go back to school as soon as early to mid August. In this episode, we’re celebrating the back-to-school season with practical, real-world advice from Wirecutter parents. 

 

From clever routines to must-have gear, our editors and writers share their favorite shortcuts for making school mornings run just a little bit smoother. Whether you're packing lunches for elementary schoolers or sending a teenager off to college, these tried-and-true tips will help your family ease back into the routine.

 

Products we recommend: 

Eleanor recommends Name Bubbles

Wynn recommends the Tin Can wi-fi phone

Christine recommends a water bottle cleaning set from OXO Good Grips

Lauren Sullivan recommends the L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bag

Andrea recommends Dawn Platinum Plus Powerwash Dish Spray

Dave recommends the Plan Ahead Week Board from Lovevery

Tracy recommends the Totes Kid’s Clear Bubble Umbrella

Annemaire recommends ThermoFlask insulated Food Jar (20oz)

Rachel recommends the Lalo Stainless Nesting Snack Bowls 

Lauren Dragan recommends Apple AirTag (2nd generation)

Signe recommends cargo bikes 

Jon recommends bento boxes and smart lights

 

Additional reading:

30(ish) Wirecutter Picks for Heading Back to School at Any Age

34 Wirecutter Clothing and Accessory Picks for Going Back to School

How to Save on School Supplies 

The 5 Best Kids Backpacks for School of 2026

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode, senior kitchen writer Michael Sullivan demystifies all things olive oil. He shares how to navigate the overwhelming olive oil aisle, what “extra virgin” really means, and the best way to store this kitchen staple so it will stay fresh (and won’t go rancid).

 

Whether you're an olive oil aficionado or just looking to improve your everyday cooking, this episode is packed with essential information to help you select and savor better olive oil. The conversation covers:

The enemies of olive oil: Learn the "HALT" acronym – Heat, Air, Light, and Time – and how these factors degrade your oil.

What to look for on the label: Understand the crucial difference between a harvest date and a "best by" date, and why it matters. Plus, find out why dark bottles or tins are superior to clear glass.

The truth about "extra virgin": Michael explains the standards for extra virgin olive oil and the complexities of international regulations, revealing why the quality on your grocery store shelf might not always match the label.

How to identify rancid oil: Learn how to recognize the telltale signs of spoiled olive oil, often described as smelling like "Crayola crayons."

Storage secrets: Get actionable tips on where not to store your olive oil at home (including right next to your stove and the refrigerator).

Country of origin vs. quality: Michael debunks the myth that certain countries always produce the "best" olive oil and encourages listeners to explore different regions and flavor profiles.

The Wirecutter tasting process: Hear about how Michael and the Wirecutter team conduct their rigorous, brand-concealed olive oil taste tests.

Michael's top tips for shopping: Discover where to find hidden gems in the grocery store and how transparency from producers can be a sign of quality.

 

And for the adventurous, stick around for a live olive oil taste test where Christine, Caira, and Rosie bravely "swirl, sniff, slurp, and swallow" to experience the nuances of different oils, from grassy and peppery to fruity and bitter.

 

Products we recommend:

A widely-available olive oil we love: Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil Rich Taste

A fruity, buttery oil we love (and is great on fish and salads!): Bono Sicilia PGI Organic Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A balanced green and peppery oil: Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A mild but fresh and silky oil: Cobram Estate California Select Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Michael’s favorite mail-order oils from Fat Gold

 

Additional reading:

The 5 Best Olive Oils You Can Buy at the Store in 2025 

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Getting dressed every morning can feel like a chore. Maybe you own too many clothes but always wear the same five outfits, or maybe your closet is so crowded that you forget what you already have. That’s where digital wardrobe apps can come in: They let you catalog your clothes, plan outfits, and see your entire closet from your phone.

 

This episode, Wirecutter style writer Frances Solá-Santiago explains how digital wardrobe apps can help you get more creative with your clothes and shop more intentionally for new pieces. She shares why she recommends Indyx over other wardrobe apps, and why organizing your closet digitally can help you get more out of the clothes you already own. Plus, she shares how she used it to pack for a two-week trip with only a carry-on.

 

This episode covers: 

How a digital wardrobe app can help you stop wearing the same outfits on repeat. Instead of digging through your closet every morning, these apps let you see everything you own in one place, making it easier to rediscover forgotten pieces and experiment with new combinations.

Why Indyx stands out from other digital closet apps. While some apps lean heavily on AI-generated outfits and avatars, Indyx focuses on a simpler experience that helps you organize your wardrobe while keeping the decision-making process in your hands.

How a digital closet can make packing for a trip easier. Frances shares how she used Indyx’s collections feature to create a capsule wardrobe for a two-week honeymoon in Italy, fitting everything—including winter layers—into one carry-on.

How these apps can help you shop smarter. Seeing your wardrobe all together can reveal patterns, like owning many pieces in the same color, and help you decide whether a new purchase will actually fill a gap.

Why digital wardrobes aren’t just for fashion lovers. Even people who wear the same thing every day can benefit from documenting their clothes, whether that means rediscovering forgotten T-shirts or simply making a favorite collection easier to access.

 

Products we recommend: 

A sleek digital closet app: Indyx

 

Additional reading:

I Catalogued My Wardrobe ‘Clueless’-Style. It Changed My Life.

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Walking down the shampoo aisle can feel overwhelming. There are formulas for curls, volume, moisture, color-treated hair, sensitive scalps, and everything in between—but how do you know what your hair actually needs?

 

In this episode, Wirecutter beauty writer Amanda Rosenthal explains how to choose a shampoo based on your hair type, scalp health, and biggest concerns. After testing 92 shampoos and consulting dermatologists, hairstylists, and a trichologist (a hair and scalp specialist), Amanda shares what makes a shampoo effective, which ingredients are worth paying attention to, and why the most expensive bottle on the shelf isn’t necessarily the best one for your hair.

 

This episode covers: 

How to choose a shampoo based on your actual hair type. Determining whether you have fine,  medium, or thick hair, as well as your curl pattern, density, and biggest concerns will help you pick the right shampoo. Consult your hairstylist if you’re not sure. 

Why your scalp matters just as much as your hair. Shampoo’s main job is to cleanse your scalp and remove oil, debris, and product buildup—and a healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair.

The truth about sulfates. Amanda debunks one of the biggest shampoo myths and explains why sulfates can actually be useful cleansers for many people.

How often you should actually wash your hair. There’s no universal rule for shampooing frequency. Your hair type, lifestyle, styling products, and scalp health all play a role.

Expensive shampoos aren’t necessarily better. After testing dozens of formulas, Amanda found that a good shampoo doesn’t need to cost a lot—it just needs to address your specific hair and scalp concerns.

 

Products we recommend: 

Best for fine hair: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo

Best for tight curls and coils: Pattern Beauty Hydration Shampoo

Best for dry, damaged hair: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo

Best for medium and thick hair: California Naturals Classic Clean

Best for sensitive skin and scalps: Vanicream Shampoo

Best for dandruff: Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo

Best for oily hair: Nécessaire Rosemary Shampoo

Amanda loves: The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

 

Additional reading:

The 6 Best Shampoos of 2026

13 Best Drugstore Hair Products

The Best Hair Conditioners of 2026

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you grew up with self-tanners, you may remember them as an orange, streaky mess. Today's formulas have come a long way, delivering a natural, sun-kissed glow—as long as you know how to apply them correctly.

 

In this episode, Wirecutter beauty writer Ayanna Redwood-Crawford explains how today's self tanners work better for a range of skin tones. She shares how to choose the right formula for you, avoid the dreaded orange streaks, and find the best self tanner whether you're a first-timer or getting ready for a beach vacation.

 

This episode covers: 

Why self tanners aren't just for light skin. Self tanners work on virtually every skin tone. While lighter skin may develop a deeper tan, darker skin tones can use them to even out uneven pigmentation and add a healthy glow.

How they actually work. The active ingredient in self tanners, DHA,  is a sugar-derived ingredient that reacts with the amino acids in the outer layer of your skin to temporarily darken it without any UV exposure.

How self tanners differ from spray tans and bronzers. At-home self tanners use the same active ingredient as professional spray tans, while bronzers only provide temporary color. Self tanners are also a much safer alternative to tanning in the sun or a tanning bed.

How to apply without streaks or orange patches. Ayanna walks through her step-by-step routine, from exfoliating and moisturizing dry spots to using an application mitt and choosing the right clothing while your tan develops.

How to make it last longer. The right maintenance routine preserves an even tan for up to a week. Consider how to shower, when to moisturize, and avoiding exfoliation until you're ready for the color to fade.

 

Products we recommend: 

Best for beginners: Jergens Natural Glow + Brighten Daily Moisturizer

Best for a streak-free tan: Norvell Venetian Self-Tanning Mousse

Best for the quickest, darkest tan: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

 

Additional reading:

The 3 Best Self-Tanners of 2026

Most Self-Tanners Look Orange on My Pale Skin. This One Doesn’t. 

Actually, Self-Tanner Works for Every Skin Tone 

 

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
Threads: /@wirecutter
Twitter: /wirecutter
Facebook: /thewirecutter
TikTok: /wirecutter
LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter
Website: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/
Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.