This extra-thick lotion — for extra-dry skin — is more luxe than it appears

One of our picks for best lotion, the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

We’ll be the first to admit that this magical tub of extra-moisturizing cream isn’t much to look at. But what it lacks in glamour, it more than makes up for in effectiveness. One panelist noticed that it almost immediately softened the appearance of craggy, callous skin along her ankles. Simply put: For cracked, irritated, or sensitive skin, you really can’t do better.

For riding out the rest of a long, dry winter→

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Plus: This scrubby bar for smoother skin works extremely well

Two images of the Soft Services Buffing Bar.

NYT Wirecutter

This exfoliating bar has a devoted following for a reason. Almost every one of our testers noticed improvement in their skin texture after a few weeks. And the smoothness has notable staying power. Says one tester: “My skin stayed softer for a day or two longer than when I used a salt or sugar scrub.”

A luxe way to exfoliate→

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“I revived an old BlackBerry to cut down on screen time”

Our tech expert took a journey back to the late 2000s …→

Our top office chairs pick: Steelcase Gesture

The very best office chairs

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Don’t throw out your old clothes

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Your daily deal: Effortlessly cool dinner napkins

A set of four Hawkins New York Essential Striped Dinner Napkins, our pick for best cloth napkins with wide tonal stripes.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

These earth-toned dinner napkins offer a modern take on a classic pattern — managing to be chic without veering into circus-tent territory. And their lightweight and buttery-soft feel make them perfect for daily meals and casual entertaining.

A set of four is on sale for $39 today→

One last thing: 16 drugstore skin-care products we swear by

Different skincare items pictured on an illustrated grid.

NYT Wirecutter; source photos by La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Olay, Neutrogena, Vanicream, PanOxyl

“Those automatic-open glass panels aren’t merely the doors to your local drugstore,” says beauty writer Rory Evans. “They’re a Narnia-like portal to a vast world of surprising finds and useful treasures.” Our favorite drugstore skin-care includes a no-frills cleanser for oily skin and a plump vitamin C serum.

Plus, an excellent retinol for just $30→

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