As we prepare to enter the last full week of August, there might be a lot more on your mind other than summer coming to an end. Back-to-school season is here, fall is creeping in and ... are you seeing Halloween displays already, too? Meaning, it's about that time we start falling back into a routine — but let's elevate it a bit, shall we?
For the latest installment of Shop TODAY’s Hot List, we tapped Shop TODAY contributor Makho Ndlovu to help us update our usual regimens, practices and patterns with products that will not only improve your daily schedule but also become staples in your new routine. We're talking root touch-ups you can do from home, sleek countertop appliances to help you start juicing, the hottest pair of sneakers for the season, and so much more.
Add some fresh fall fashion and a few exercise tool upgrades, and you'll be ready to tackle the rest of 2025 in confidence and style. Check out our favorite picks below!
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Long distance running? Getting your steps in? Just want to get from door to door as comfortably as possible. These Brooks sneakers have you covered, whether you’re training or not. According to the brand, they’re made with nitrogen-infused cushioning, which is a fancy way of saying that they’ll add the ultimate spring in your step. Plus, in this newer Hyperion model, you’ll also find 2mm more of it for added comfort. Brooks also promises a breathable and lightweight design. Make sure to use code TODAY to score free shipping at Fleet Feet on your next pair (and any full-priced shoes) through August 27.
Make sure he experiences the same responsiveness and versatility in his footwear with the men’s Hyperion 3 sneaker. A pair like this is sure to elevate his workouts and everyday walking. You can also get free shipping at Fleet Feet with code TODAY through August 27.
Korean skin care has been popping up all over our social media feeds lately, but if there's one product you should try next, it's this overnight collagen mask. According to the brand, it's packed with both unique ingredients and a few tried-and-true ones that work together to deeply penetrate the skin. "What really makes it stand out is the formula," says Ndlovu. "Blue agave and other nourishing ingredients help smooth and refine your skin while you sleep. Easy and effective!" Simply apply it before bed and let it work its firming, rejuvenating and moisturizing magic.
This do-it-all tote perfectly combines style and organization. At first glance, it looks like a spacious work bag, with more than enough room for a laptop, books and even clothing if you need to use it as an overnight bag. But a closer look will show you a built-in insulated compartment for storing lunches and snacks! According to the brand, this hidden pocket is leakproof and incredibly easy to clean, just in case!
When it comes to transitional summer-to-fall fashion, Ndlovu says “a stylish vest is the gift that keeps on giving.” The linen blend top is perfect for carrying you through the rest of these hot and humid days, with its sleeveless design, V-neck and asymmetrical cropped hem. But once that autumn breeze hits, you can jazz it up with by layering over a crisp shirt or turtleneck.
If your grays are coming in faster than how quickly this month is passing by, but it's not in your budget (or you're too busy!) to book more salon appointments, don't fret — that's where Clairol comes in. The brand's root touch-up dye is designed to offer complete coverage in just 10 minutes that lasts for up to four weeks. It also utilizes ColorBlend Technology to blend root regrowth with your existing color and ensure your hair is color matched from root to tip. "I love the idea of being able to do this from the comfort of home," says Ndlovu. It's also incredibly easy to apply — just mix the formula, brush it on and rinse! Plus, there's a ton of shades available to help you find your perfect match.
Homemade juice is an easy way to add more fruits and veggies to your diet ... but the actual juicing part can be a tedious process, especially if you don't have the right tools. We recommend adding this countertop appliance to your meal prepping routine, which uses cold press technology to squeeze out 30% more juice than regular machines, per the brand. It features an extra-wide chute to fit whole produce, allowing you to skip the chopping and dicing steps; and its one-button operation design makes it user friendly.
What says routine quite like a weekly meal prep? It’s one thing to get all that planning and cooking done, but actually storing the breakfasts, lunches and dinner you so painstakingly put together is another. Use these Bentgo containers to keep your foods separated and fresh (they're also perfect to pair with the lunch tote, above!). They’re also made with food-grade materials, so you can make sure you’re eating as healthily as possible.
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Before getting too excited about all the jewel-toned manicures you plan on getting, let’s make sure your nails are in good shape first. Using this treatment, you can give them the glow-up they need. According to the brand, consistent use can result in stronger, smoother and shinier nails, as well as more moisturized cuticles. “It’s perfect to toss in your bag, keep at your desk or bring on the go,” raves Ndlovu.
Just because linen is a popular summer fabric doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite pieces once fall hits. In fact, we encourage picking up these drawstring linen-feel pants for rocking on breezy September days. Just pair with a tee and denim jacket for a casual cool look. The sizing and color options are also super impressive, as well as the four types of lengths, so any body type can look and feel confident.
If you’re planning a late summer getaway or just want to exude vacation vibes, these 100% linen pants are an easy way to do it. Somehow effortlessly combining luxury and casual, these high-quality pants are easy to dress up or down, depending on the look you want — whether it be a dress shirt or crisp tee, loafers or a sleek sandal, you’ll be amazed at how versatile they can be in your summer and fall wardrobes.
For Ndlovu, returning to a fall routine means doing more at-home workouts — something I’m sure many people can relate to once the temperature starts to drop. She usually keeps these mini bands in her gym bag, saying that they’re the perfect portable exercise tools for bringing with her from the office to wherever her next workout takes her. “I love using them for squats and side-to-side steps — they’re great for toning and improving mobility,” she adds. Each band in the three-piece set is designed with a different intensity — light, medium and heavy — making them friendly for anyone from beginners to experts in the gym.
Wouldn’t it be nice to get a workout in while you’re working, reading, studying or even just watching your favorite show? If you’re a multitasker, you’ll love this under-desk elliptical, which can help you burn calories and build lean muscle without having to leave your chair or couch. You can use the devices eight resistance levels to tailor your own workout intensity and enjoy a quiet, low-impact exercise session. You can even track your speed, time, distance and total stride by reading the built-in LCD screen.
Need some help organizing — like, yesterday? Use this cart to instantly add storage to your bedroom, bathroom, office, or wherever you need it! It offers three tiers of mesh shelves, which are designed for easy cleaning and durability, thanks to a rust-resistant frame. What really sets this apart: It has wheels! You can roll these shelves from room to room with ease, and they even have a locking mechanism for when you need it to stay put.
With fall usually comes a slightly paler skin tone, which means you may have to change up your foundation and concealer shades. Instead of spending your money on both, why not grab this 2-in-1 complexion product that can offer all the coverage you need? With 48-hour transfer resistance, a waterproof formula and a surprisingly lightweight feel, this is sure to become a staple in your beauty bag for everything from natural to bold looks. It also offers a soft, matte finish that is buildable and "undetectable" (no cakiness here). Note: The brand recommends shaking well for up to 10 seconds before applying for best coverage.
More routine essentials to shop
This new launch from Rocketbook will kick your new routine into high gear. Calling it their most versatile planner to date, this special notebook is packed with 48 reusable pages, which are categorized by daily tasks, weekly templates, monthly templates, year overviews and a series of dotted and grid pages for notes. Whenever you want to clear it, just use the included microfiber towel and a bit of water to wipe everything away. The compatible app can help optimize productivity by scanning your notes and sending them to the cloud for immediate access.
Introducing a brand-new way to lunch at the office — or literally anywhere. This portable Crock-Pot lunch box can heat up to 195 degrees within two hours, per the brand, ensuring you have a ready-to-eat meal without the use of a microwave. It features a tight-seal lid with a steam-release valve and is made from stainless steel for durability. Have a cold meal prepared? This container is thermal-insulated and can also keep food cold for up to three hours.
Big news! Color Wow has officially entered the dry shampoo space with this new Insta-Wow formula. According to the brand, it can clean hair just as well as a regular shampoo, effectively removing oil with just a few spritzes. It's also designed to never leave a white cast or powder residue behind and can keep strands feeling silky for days.
Stop your fruits and soda cans from haphazardly rolling around your fridge with these organizing bins. They offer a convenient way to organize your foods and pantry items in any cabinets in your home. We love that they're clear, so you know exactly what's inside at all times.
We love it when one of our go-to drugstore brands launches a new product, especially skin care! If you want to improve your skin tone, gently exfoliate and boost hydration, this is the serum you need to try next. It offers quite a few anti-aging benefits as well, including helping to build collagen and plump the skin.
Who says your gym equipment can't look chic? Stakt knows all about perfectly combining functionality and style in the fitness space; take these weights for example. There's no denying their stunning aesthetic, but they can also transform into different weight levels in a flash, so you don't have to invest in three different tools.
Gym bags are notoriously known for being big and bulky. But if you're not packing much, they end up taking way more space than necessary. We suggest this compact tote for carrying around the gym or workout class. It has one main compartment for holding essentials, an adjustable strap and a convenient keychain loop so nothing gets left behind in your locket. Plus, how cute does it look?
If your current skin care routine isn't cutting it, you may want to invest in something new. This set from The Ordinary is all about boosting hydration, something you'll appreciate when the colder and drier fall months hit. It comes with three products you can use daily — a squalane cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum and moisturizer — which work together to support the skin barrier and remove all kinds of impurities, per the brand.
Keeping the entire family organized, on time to events and accountable for chores and habit tracking is a big task for one tool. But we're pretty sure this Amazon No. 1 bestselling digital calendar can handle it — and much more. The interactive touchscreen makes navigating the display easy, plus it's mountable so you can keep eyes on your schedule from anywhere.
Meet the experts
- Makho Ndlovu is a Shop TODAY contributor and on-air expert.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
