Innholdsfortegnelse for July/August 2025 i Good Housekeeping

Transform a potting bench into a charming outdoor bar cart that’s fit for entertaining. DIY-er Jennylyn Pringle started with a fresh coat of Brook, a blue-green shade from her company, Fusion Mineral Paint. Then she styled the cart with greenery, drink dispensers and citrus accents. “I’m proud of how accessible this project is — no extensive prep work required,” she says.. MIX MASTER Scan here for our favorite warm-weather cocktail recipes.…

Cotton or microfiber?  For a pool day, go with absorbent cotton terrycloth.  For the beach, choose microfiber: It won’t hold on to as much sand as cotton will. Can’t I just use a bath towel? In a pinch, sure. But a beach towel is typically longer, which makes it better suited for lounging. And bath towels are almost always made of cotton terrycloth for absorbency, whereas beach towels may feature other materials such as cotton velour for a cozy feel or microfiber to repel sand and shorten drying time. Also, towels made specifically for the beach or pool may come with helpful features like built-in hooks and carrying cases. Plus, fun prints can help you find your spot after a walk on the beach. Our top picks: 1 GREAT ALL…

Stretch the Centerpiece A table’s focal point doesn’t have to be a large, complicated arrangement. For this simple look, designer Emily Henderson mixed wildflowers in shades of white and purple, leaving breathing room both between and within the vases. “I wanted the flowers to shine, so I chose clear glass vases in different shapes,” she says. “It feels more casual and cohesive, but eclectic.”.…

Q: Why do some cotton sheets feel cooler than others? —LIEZL G. A: It’s all about the weave! Some sheets allow more air to flow through, while others are less breathable but offer other benefits. Before you buy, check the label to see if the sheets are percale or sateen — here’s what you need to know about each. TESTED 350+ sheet sets in the past 10 years Shop our top-tested picks at goodhousekeeping.com/bedsheets. INNOVATION COOLING MATTRESSES They offer relief for sweaty sleepers. The biggest bedding breakthrough in recent years: cooling technology. New options like our picks below can help put people with hot flashes and night sweats at ease — without compromising on comfort. SUPPORTIVE & AIRY Purple’s GelFlex Grid is a unique top layer that has an open,…

82 SCORED BEST OVERALL Boosted with mild exfoliating ingredients, this La Roche-Posay gel cleanser swept the competition in many categories. Lab Results: A full 100% of users found that it removed impurities and excess oil and left skin feeling clean and refreshed. It was also tops for not irritating and brightening. “My skin feels so smooth!” a tester raved. LA ROCHE-POSAY MELAB3 CLEANSER, $27, DRUGSTORES 82 SCORED BEST FOR PURIFYING Suds up with SkinBetter Science for a deeply clean feel as well as clarifying effects thanks to salicylic and glycolic acids. Lab Results: Among users, 100% agreed that it was easy to apply and rinse off. They found that the “airy” foam had the lushest lather and rated it high for cleansing fully. Two said it helped clear up breakouts.…

Cocktail Crush This summer, think beyond smoothies. Go on a blender blitz with our spiked tropical slushes — made with fresh fruit, flavored ice and infused liquor. Plus, check out our Lab-recommended blenders to help you make the most of your chill time. Turn the page for more. GH KITCHEN APPLIANCES LAB TOP-TESTED BEST BLENDERS Make happy hour even happier with these machines that can blitz, puree and even crush ice. Best Overall This peak performer wowed Lab experts with its premium features, including overheating alerts and notifications for when to use the tamper. Best Value With a blade that attaches to a pitcher and personal blending cups, this versatile pick produced ultra-creamy margaritas and super-smooth peanut butter. Best for Crushing Ice In Lab tests, this model handled tough ingredients…

PERSIAN KEBAB–SPICED BURGERS O H Active 25 min. | Total 30 min. 1 small red onion, very thinly sliced2 tsp olive oil, plus more for brushing3 tsp distilled white vinegar, divided1 tsp ground sumac, dividedKosher salt and pepper¼ cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped1½ tsp ground cumin1 tsp garlic powder½ tsp ground cinnamon1¼ lbs ground lamb or beef (or a mix of both)3 Tbsp Greek yogurt3 Tbsp mayonnaise1 small clove garlic, grated4 potato buns (we used Martin’s)Kosher dill pickles, for serving 1. Heat grill on medium. In medium bowl, toss together onion, oil, 2 tsp vinegar, ½ tsp sumac and ⅛ tsp salt. Let sit 10 min., then fold in parsley. 2. In small bowl, mix together cumin, garlic powder, cinnamon and remaining ½ tsp sumac. 3. Divide meat into 4…

TROPICAL SLAW In large bowl, whisk together 3 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1 Tbsp each canola oil and honey and ¼ tsp kosher salt. Add 1 medium jicama (about 14 oz, peeled and cut into matchsticks), 4 large radishes (cut into matchsticks) and 3 scallions (thinly sliced on a bias). Toss with 1 firm mango (peeled, pitted and cut into matchsticks) and ½ tsp salt. Top with 3 Tbsp roasted pepitas. GOCHUJANG SPEARS Zest lime to get 1 tsp lime zest; set aside, then squeeze 1 tsp lime juice into small bowl. Stir in 2 Tbsp smooth natural peanut butter, 2 tsp gochujang, 1 tsp tamari and 1 Tbsp warm water. Peel 1 ripe but firm mango and cut into spears. Dip bottoms of spears into gochujang-peanut sauce, then into ½…

QUADRUPLE THREAT This lightweight, foldable charger has four panels and up to 28 watts — enough to charge your speaker, iPhone and camera on the go. OUTDOORSY VALUE Campers will love this small solar charger that has four USB ports and can be used as a flashlight or a compass. Also, it withstood exposure to rain during testing! GREAT TO TOTE Rugged and durable, this solar charger is tough enough to handle wet conditions. It folds up neatly so you can slip it inside your pack.…

2025 WINNERS Delicious Dips & Spreads Pickle de Gallo A pickle-based salsa with a fresh, crunchy twist, Grillo’s finely chops its popular dill pickles and mixes them with fresh bell peppers and onions to create a briny, tangy dip. LAB RESULTS: GH’s recipe editor praised the snack’s versatility, saying it could be used the same way as pico de gallo (such as atop tacos and grain bowls). Taste testers noted the crispy, “not mushy” texture and the subtle pickle flavor that “isn’t overpowering.” GRILLO’S PICKLES, PICKLE DE GALLO, $6, TARGET Airy Whipped Cheese Dip Made from high-quality imported Danish cheese and premium herbs and spices, Castello Whipped Dips come in three delectable flavors (Cracked Pepper, Garlic & Herb and Paprika & Chili) and are light yet creamy and indulgent spreads.…

We’ve all seen drinks enhanced with electrolytes (minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc and copper that carry an electric charge) to help balance hydration. Now you can get them in skincare products that claim to combat everything from dehydration to dullness and irritation. But are they really the reviving “sip” your skin needs for summer and beyond? “Electrolytes are essential for various bodily functions,” explains Tiffany J. Libby, M.D., a dermatologist at Brown Dermatology in Providence. “When applied to skin, they may help balance its natural moisturizing factors, defend against environmental stressors and improve barrier function.” Often found in water-based serums and moisturizers, “electrolytes are a beneficial addition to products for those with skin types from dry to oily who are seeking to retain moisture longer,” Butler adds. GH BEAUTY…

AT THE SALON See your hair pro for a protein or smoothing treatment (like a keratin treatment) to minimize frizz both instantly and over time, suggests Sophie Rose Gutterman, a celebrity hairstylist in Beverly Hills. Getting regular haircuts keeps hair healthy, which can reduce frizz, and cuts that are one length (rather than layered) help hair appear smoother, she says. IN THE SHOWER Choose shampoos and conditioners labeled as anti-frizz, smoothing or moisturizing. Seek out ingredients like panthenol, glycerin, silicones and keratin or wheat protein to hydrate, seal hair’s surface and form a barrier against humidity, Wizemann says. (Try GH Beauty Award winner Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner, $15 each, drugstores.) “Detangle hair with a comb while conditioner is in it to smooth and moisturize,” Gutterman advises. Gently blot…

MUSEUM LEGS You’re touring the blockbuster van Gogh exhibition or making your way through a shopping mall when you’re overcome with that lead-in-the-legs feeling that leaves you shuffing your feet and desperate to collapse on the nearest bench. Why it happens: Walking slowly and making frequent stops can actually require more energy than walking at your regular pace. “When there’s so much start-and-stop, you don’t get the benefit of momentum,” says Jonathan Locitzer, D.P.T., owner of Healing Motion Physical Therapy in Brooklyn, NY. Walking at a brisker pace gets your blood pumping and all your circulation going. What to do: If you might linger at an exhibit, wear supportive, cushioned shoes; hit the stairs instead of using the elevator; and vary your pace to pump up your energy. When your…

SUMMER SIDE Featuring diced onions, tomatoes and cucumbers plus heaps of fresh parsley and mint, this traditional salad named after an Iranian city is light, bright, herbaceous and colorful. It makes an ideal accompaniment to meat dishes like kebabs and juicy burgers (right). GH TEST KITCHEN A TASTE OF SOJU Soju vs. sake Soju is a clear, neutral Korean spirit usually distilled from grains. Though it can be made from rice, soju is not a “rice wine,” and it’s very different from sake, which hails from Japan. Stronger than wine The sweet spot for soju’s ABV (alcohol by volume) is 20% to 25%, but you can find excellent ones (such as Jinro Is Back) that are as low as 17% ABV, with just a little more alcohol than a typical red…

How to Light Your Gas Grill Safely 1. Open your grill’s lid. 2. Turn the knob on the propane tank to the open position. 3. Light one burner at a time according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If a burner is not lighting, make sure to turn it to the off position for a few minutes before trying again. This will allow any built-up gas to dissipate. ILLUSTRATION IS BASED ON WEBER’S NEW SPIRIT EP-435 GRILL. TESTED 50+ grills in the past 5 years TURN UP THE HEAT! Scan here to shop our favorite grills.…

1 DREAM. Our team of culinary pros gets inspiration from everywhere—supermarket shelves, restaurant menus, family cookbooks, you name it. 2 CREATE. Our recipe developers leverage their experience (cooking in restaurants, catering, television work and culinary school) to transform an idea into a dish ready to be tasted and tweaked. 3 EDIT. The recipe is written in GH style, reviewed and edited to read exactly as it will appear in the magazine or online. 4 TEST. An experienced recipe tester follows the recipe and cooks the dish using different appliances and ingredient brands. They’ll let us know if they find a way to make it more easily or eliminate the need for a pan or a bowl at a certain point. The recipe may be adjusted and cooked again. 5 PHOTOGRAPH.…

If there is one universal truth I’ve learned since becoming a parent, it’s that you don’t need much in motherhood, but you do need a supportive village to rally behind you. My first pregnancy and my initial postpartum experience were challenging, as I struggled with anxiety and the significant identity change that comes with birthing and raising a human. To cope and adapt, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone to invest in new friendships and find like-minded women raising babies at the same time I was. So when I was expecting my second baby and my friends asked if they could do something to help me, I knew exactly what I wanted: a nesting party, or a “mama shower” as we called it. Considering that I already had…

WHY IT EARNED THE GH SEAL Our food and nutrition experts were impressed by the salmon’s exceptional taste and nutrition. 1 STANDOUT FLAVOR AND TEXTURE Good Housekeeping’s culinary pros appreciated the salmon’s buttery, savory taste and tender, flaky texture. A member of our Test Kitchen staff described the fish as “luscious and succulent,” and we like that Mowi offers both plain and pre-seasoned varieties so there is a mealtime solution even when you’re pressed for time. 2 NUTRITIONAL SUPERSTAR Few foods offer as complete a nutritional package as salmon. It’s loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids as well as vitamins B12, D and E and minerals including selenium. Salmon is also a source of choline, which helps support brain health, and is packed with satiating protein. 3 EASY DINNER PREP…

I recently came across an issue of Good Housekeeping from 1938 — and I haven’t stopped thinking about the product test it describes. Not because it was splashy or surprising. It was the opposite, in fact: highly meticulous and quietly brilliant. The test was for deodorants and antiperspirants, but it wasn’t just about how well the products prevented odor (naturally we’d already tested for that!). The photo above shows a Lab technician measuring fabric strength. Why? Over time, ingredients might break down the fibers in clothing. Most women had no idea, but we knew. That’s the thing about GH testing: Our experts notice the stuff you might not — because we have our hands on these products every day. We’ve seen it all, and we think ahead. Sure we analyzed…

BEST OVERALL A top performer in all aspects of our tests, this sleek Yeti cooler has a sturdy handle and strong wheels for easy maneuvering. BEST VALUE This one was among the top performers and comes with many accessories yet costs a fraction of what some others do. BEST FOR HOSTING Great for backyard parties, this option features a removable tap-to-dispense tank for your go-to summer drink.…

Q. Should I wash in only cold water? —KIM F. A: Using cold water as your default will save energy and cut costs. Plus, cold water helps preserve fabrics and colors. Today’s detergents are formulated to work better in cold water, but you should use warm or hot water for particularly tough stains and heavily soiled loads. HOW WE TEST WASHING MACHINES DOES IT CLEAN WELL? Pre-stained strips are placed in each load. Once they’re dry, we measure reflectance and calculate a stain-removal score. IS IT GENTLE? Precut swatches go into each test cycle. Afterward, we count the frayed threads to assess agitation. HOW EASY IS OPERATION? Controls and panel design are rated for display readability, how intuitive they are to use and the ease of navigation. 3 TIPS FOR…

When it’s hot and sticky (and sunny) outside, the last thing you want to do is spend time in a balmy bathroom slogging through a lengthy, complicated skin, hair and makeup routine. Luckily, the GH Beauty Lab has all the latest tricks and product picks to make this your easiest, prettiest season ever!…

SOLID SCENTS Dab on a no-spill wax or gel perfume in crayon, stick or compact form. FLORAL: GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCES PERFUME PENCILS, $40, US.GLASSHOUSEFRAGRANCES.COM; DIOR MISS DIOR BLOOMING BOUQUET SOLID PERFUME, $72, DIOR.COM MINIMALIST: GLOSSIER YOU SOLID, $35, SEPHORA HAIR MISTS Refresh strands and more with a spritz of these fine mists made with silkening plant oils. SWEET: KITSCH TART CHERRY HAIR PERFUME, $20, AMAZON CLEAN: DIPTYQUE L’EAU PAPIER HAIR MIST, $76, DIPTYQUEPARIS.COM PERFUMED SOAPS Instead of hefty fragrance bottles, pack a perfumed soap to subtly scent skin. FRUITY: MOLTON BROWN DELICIOUS RHUBARB & ROSE PERFUMED SOAP, $30, MOLTONBROWN.COM WOODSY: CHLOÉ ATELIER DES FLEURS SOAP IN CEDRUS, $35, NORDSTROM AROMATIC CREAMS Stash a fragranced hand cream in your bag for a dose of scent and skin softening. POWDERY: L’OCCITANE NEROLI &…

Recently, while my 82-year-old mom was staying with me, I noticed her stuffing her pockets with candy and cookies wrapped in tissues. She picked her teeth constantly, a nervous habit, and in the absence of dental floss broke off the sharp silver teeth of her comb and shoved the metal between her teeth. She refused to bathe. I found myself cataloguing all this, the many ways in which Alzheimer’s disease has ravaged her brain. Watching a parent transform into a toddler-like dependent who throws tantrums and can’t be left alone for more than five minutes is heartbreaking. But Heather Sandison, N.D., author of Reversing Alzheimer’s, says it can also be highly motivating. As founder of Solcere, a brain-health clinic, and Marama, a residential memory-recovery facility in San Diego, Sandison has…

If your doctor has said your cholesterol is too high, join the club: About a third of American adults and 7% of kids have levels that are higher than ideal. And if social media influencers saying there’s no need to lower your cholesterol have created a tug-of-war in your head, you’ve got a lot of company. Here, experts offer the research-backed info you need to know to keep your cholesterol in check. TRUE OR FALSE? Cholesterol is super important for the brain and the body. TRUE The adult body has some 30 trillion cells, and every one needs cholesterol to maintain its shape and function. The body naturally produces this waxy substance and uses it to manufacture important hormones and vitamin D. Cholesterol also assists cells in our brains. The…

START HERE Active 40 min. Total 40 min. RED PEPPER JELLY & LIME Heat grill to medium. In small bowl, stir together ¼ cup red pepper jelly and ½ Tbsp fresh lime juice. CHICKEN LEGS Season 4 small chicken legs (2 lbs total), split into thighs and drumsticks, with ½ tsp each kosher salt and pepper. Grill, covered, turning occasionally, 20 min. Uncover and continue grilling, basting with sauce, until chicken is cooked through, 5 to 7 min. more. YELLOW POTATOES While chicken is grilling, prick 4 medium yellow potatoes all over with fork and microwave on High on large plate, flipping halfway through, until barely tender, 4 to 5 min. When cool enough to handle, slice lengthwise ¾ in. thick. Brush potatoes with 2 Tbsp olive oil and season…