• 37 minutes 25 seconds
    Find Your Perfect Swimsuit

    Finding a swimsuit you feel good in can be daunting. This episode, we’re sharing insider tips on choosing designs, fabrics, and brands that you’ll actually love. Wirecutter style writer Zoe Vanderweide walks us through the finer points of finding high-quality swimwear that fits and flatters.

     

    Zoe shares the construction details to look for that will emphasize (or de-emphasize) different body parts, the brands that are making some of the best suits right now, and how to care for your suits so that they’ll last longer. 

     

    This episode covers: 

    • Why some brands are better at size inclusivity: Many brands design for a size 6 "fit model"– the model used to try on a pattern and make adjustments. The brand generally then sizes the pattern up or down to make different sizes, which often doesn’t translate into the best fit for larger bodies. Brands who use plus-size fit models tend to make suits that are more flattering for plus-size bodies.
    • Fabric and texture tips: Thicker, compressive fabrics will help hold you in more. Textured fabrics, such as ribbed or crinkle fabric, provide a "blurring" effect that can hide lumps and bumps you don’t want to emphasize. But both can take longer to dry.
    • How to care for your spendy suits: Hanging a wet suit stretches the fibers. Instead, roll it in a towel to remove moisture, then lay it flat in a shady, well-ventilated spot.
    • The suits our testers loved and why: We walk through the brands that Zoe features in her review, why they’re great, and which will work best for different body types.

     

    Products we recommend: 

     

    Additional reading:

     

    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

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    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


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    6 May 2026, 9:00 am
  • 32 minutes 40 seconds
    The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Mom

    If you need fresh gift ideas for Mother’s Day this year, this is your episode. This week, Wirecutter gifting expert Samantha Schoech brings a range of ideas that go far beyond a bouquet of flowers and brunch. 

     

    Instead of generic ideas, we’re approaching gifts by personality type—from the exhausted new mom to the outdoorsy adventurer. Samantha also shares her core gifting philosophy (including what not to give), plus thoughtful, sometimes surprising picks that actually make people feel seen.

     

    This episode covers: 

    • Why you shouldn’t add to someone’s to-do list. One of Samantha's strongest rules is to avoid gifts that create work. That means no high-maintenance plants, complicated projects, or aspirational hobbies the person didn’t ask for.
    • Why the best gifts are things they wouldn’t buy themselves. If someone needs socks, they can buy socks. A good gift is something slightly indulgent or unnecessary—like elevated basics or small luxuries—that feels special precisely because they wouldn’t justify spending money on it.
    • Why “giving mom a break” is often the most meaningful gift. Instead of another object, Samantha emphasizes the value of rest—like helping them carve out uninterrupted time alone or booking them a night in a hotel. It’s a way to acknowledge the workload of motherhood, not just gesture at it.
    • Why your time and attention still matter most. Across every category, Samantha comes back to this: a gift lands best when it’s paired with genuine effort—whether that’s a handwritten card, quality time together, or simply showing that you’ve paid attention to what they actually like.

     

    Products we recommend:

    For the new mom:

     

    For the first-time grandma:

     

    For the empty nester:

     

    For the outdoorsy mom: 

     

    For the mom who loves sparkles:

     

    For the crafty mom: 

    • Needlepoint kits that will make you want to needlepoint: Unwind Studios
    • Unique and gorgeous embroidery kits: Artist Kate Wyatt
    • Simple and straightforward block printing kits: Joyn

     

    For the foodie mom:

     

    For the “don’t get me anything” mom: 

     

    Samantha loves: 

     

    Additional reading:

     

    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

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    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.

    29 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 12 minutes 9 seconds
    Tech Prices Are Skyrocketing. Nintendo's Switch 2 Might Be Next.

    The Nintendo Switch 2 was released in June 2025. In just four months, it sold over 10 million units, making it the fastest selling console of all time in the U.S. But at $450, is it really worth the hype? 

     

    Arthur Gies, supervising editor on the tech team at Wirecutter, has spent nearly a year testing the system, playing the new games, and weighing the pros and cons. In this episode, he gives us his verdict. He also talks about why if you’ve been thinking about buying one, now might be the best time.

     

    This episode covers: 

    • Why the Switch 2 is worth the splurge: Arthur says the new console is like getting the latest phone compared to having one that’s six or seven years old. It comes with impressive software updates and exclusive games that make for an incredible upgrade if you have the budget.
    • Why you should consider buying sooner rather than later: With Nintendo’s fiscal year ending, AI data centers raising memory card prices, and shipping and oil prices increasing, Arthur suspects that the Switch 2 will get more expensive very soon.
       

    Products we recommend: 

     

    Additional reading:

     

    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.

    24 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 35 minutes 26 seconds
    This Wirecutter Expert Cleans (Almost) Everything with Dish Soap

    Dish soap might be the most underrated cleaner in your home. It's cheap, it's safe to use with bare hands, and it’s the star of many Wirecutter cleaning tutorials — from how to clean wood floors to stainless steel appliances to laundry stains. It also makes a great alternative to “green” cleaners—cleaners that are marketed as less toxic, allergenic, or supposedly better for the environment. 

     

    In this episode, we chat with senior staff writer Andrea Barnes about why dish soap is such a powerhouse cleaner, which brands actually work best, and the surprising places you can use it around your home (and when to reach for something else).

     

    This episode covers:

    • Why "green" cleaners often underperform: Many eco-marketed cleaners aren’t good multitaskers, so you end up buying more products to compensate. A concept called the “Sinner’s Circle” explains why: cleaning requires some combination of time, heat, chemicals, and friction — reduce one, and you have to add more of another.
    • How to make an all-purpose cleaner for pennies: Just two to three drops of dish soap in a large spray bottle of water works as an effective surface cleaner for kitchen backsplashes, counters, yoga mats, stainless steel, and more — for under 25 cents a bottle.
    • Surprising uses for dish soap: It works on makeup stains, shoes, jewelry, mouth guards, retainers, outdoor security cameras, and even shower tile. If you've been exposed to poison ivy, washing the affected area with dish soap within 20 minutes may help break down the irritating oil.
    • What to never clean with dish soap: Don't use it on your pets' fur, your own face, or — crucially — in your dishwasher, where it will cause a sudsy overflow.
    • The truth about laundry pods and microplastics: Despite how they look and feel, pods do not shed microplastics. The film dissolves completely and is biodegradable. Experts are actually more concerned about the plastic containers detergent comes in.

     

    Products we recommend:

     

    Additional reading:

     

    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.

    22 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 12 minutes 24 seconds
    Seasonal Allergies Are Getting Worse (Encore)

    It’s not your imagination. Climate change is making seasonal allergy season longer and more intense. 

     

    New York Times health reporter Nina Agrawal joins us to discuss what to do when the pollen count is high, how to improve your indoor air quality this spring and summer, and the differences between allergy medications. 

     

    Check out Nina’s reporting on how to tell if you have allergies and what actually works for combatting seasonal allergies

     

    Products we recommend:

     

    Additional reading:

    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.

    17 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 35 minutes 37 seconds
    The Only 3 Knives You Actually Need in Your Kitchen

    Kitchen knives are one of the most important tools in your home.

     

    In this episode, senior kitchen writer Lesley Stockton reveals which knives you actually need, how much to spend, and the proper way to store and sharpen your knives.

     

    From breaking down the differences between Japanese- and Western-style blades to explaining why a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, Lesley walks through the fundamentals—plus the small habits that can keep your knives chopping for decades.

     

    This episode covers:

    • Why you only need three knives: A chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated (bread) knife will handle nearly everything in a home kitchen. Most knife sets just add unnecessary “filler” pieces.
    • How to choose a chef’s knife that actually works for you: Sharpness out of the box matters most, but after that it comes down to comfort, balance, and how it feels in your hand.
    • Why you don’t need to spend a fortune: A great chef’s knife can cost as little as $50, and cheaper knives (especially paring knives) can perform just as well for everyday tasks.
    • Honing vs. sharpening: A honing rod doesn’t sharpen your knife—it realigns the edge. You should hone your knives every time you cook, but it doesn’t replace real sharpening.
    • The biggest knife-care mistakes people make: Putting knives in the dishwasher, soaking them in water, or storing them loose in drawers can damage the blade and shorten their lifespan.

     

    Products we recommend: 

     

    Additional reading:

     

    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.

    15 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 18 minutes
    11 of the Most Delightful Products We Discovered This Year

    All hail the winners of Wirecutter’s inaugural Best New Picks Awards! These products are absolute gems discovered over the past year. Tune in to hear Wirecutter staffers share their delightful, surprising, and useful recommendations for everything from a micellar water beauty editors love, to a CD player you can stream to your bluetooth speaker. 

     

    To find out more about these products and over 70 other winners, read the full article. 

     

    Products we recommend: 

     

    Additional reading:

     

    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.

    10 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 35 minutes 15 seconds
    The Beginner's Guide to Car Camping

    Camping might feel intimidating for a beginner. But car camping–-where you can simply drive to a spot and bring some creature comforts—lowers the barrier to entry. In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter outdoor writer Trey French about how beginners can get into camping without overcomplicating it. 

     

    Trey walks us through the gear that’s actually worth investing in, what you can skip (or borrow), and the mental state to adopt to help ensure everyone has a good time. 

     

    Wirecutter staff camping veterans also share their favorite gear for making camping fun and comfortable.

     

    This episode covers:

    • Why car camping is the best entry point for beginners: You can pack everything in your car, stay near amenities like bathrooms and water, and leave anytime, making it lower-risk and less intimidating than backpacking.
    • Focus on sleep, shelter, and food: You don’t need to buy everything at once, and a lot of gear (especially kitchen items) can come from home or be borrowed.
    • What a “good” camping sleep setup really looks like: A thick, wide sleeping pad does most of the work. Sleeping bags matter, but more for warmth than comfort, and sizing and temperature ratings are often misunderstood.
    • Small upgrades that make a big difference: Things like tablecloths, lighting, fire starters, or better organization can make a campsite feel more comfortable and functional without breaking the bank.

     

    Products we recommend:

     

    Additional reading and watching

     

    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.

    8 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 34 minutes 10 seconds
    Tinned Fish is Finally Having the Moment It Deserves

    Tinned fish is having a moment. While countries like Portugal and Spain have long appreciated preserved seafood as a culinary art form, only recently has it caught on as a high-end appetizer in the United States. For the uninitiated, it can be hard to know which cans you’ll like and which are worth the steep price tags. 

     

    In this episode, we chat with Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Preston about her extensive testing of over 100 cans. She breaks down how to choose ones you’ll like, the right ways to serve them, and her favorite tinned fish to serve. 

     

    Also, if you want to see a tinned fish tasting, check out Marguerite in Wirecutter’s new taste test series on YouTube.

     

    This episode covers: 

    • How to choose a tinned fish you’ll like: If you're sensitive to certain textures or "fishiness," skip the mackerel, oilier fish, and mollusks, and instead start with trout, tuna, or salmon. These are typically milder with more approachable flavor and texture.
    • Why oil-packed fish wins: In Wirecutter’s testing, we found that oil-packed seafood generally had better texture and flavor, whereas water-packed seafood tended to be dryer.
    • How to build a delightful fish board: If you want to serve tinned fish as an appetizer, add a selection of pickles and olives, thin crackers, bread, lemon wedges, and even chopped herbs.
    • Where to shop: If your local store lacks good options, specialized retailers like Rainbow Tomatoes Garden or Caputo’s offer curated selections to help you choose without the guesswork.

     

    Products we recommend: 

     

    Additional reading:

     

    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.

    1 April 2026, 9:00 am
  • 20 minutes 9 seconds
    The Window-Smashing Tool That Could Save Your Life

    Car accidents where a vehicle is submerged in water or erupts into deadly flame are rare. But a simple tool to break your own car window could be life-saving in such an emergency. The only catch: not all car windows are created equal. 

     

    This week, Rosie talks to Wirecutter editor and emergency preparedness expert Jen Gushue about the high-stakes world of car glass breakers. Jen enlisted a firefighter to help smash dozens of real car windows to find out which tools actually work when put to the test on different types of glass. 

     

    This episode covers: 

    • The difference between tempered and laminated glass: Traditional tempered glass is designed to shatter into small, dull pieces for safety, while modern laminated glass consists of a plastic interlayer sandwiched between two glass sheets. Laminated glass is nearly impossible to break with standard tools.
    • How to identify what’s in your own vehicle: A small key in the corner of your car window should contain information about the type of glass it's made of. You can also look down at the window from above.
    • The specific tools that work for each scenario: While portable spring-loaded tools are highly effective on tempered windows, only specialized tools are capable of punching through the reinforced laminated glass found in many newer vehicles.

     

    Be sure to read Jen’s guide for more details on how to tell what kind of glass is in your vehicle.

     

    Products we recommend:

     

    Additional reading:

     

    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.

    27 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 37 minutes 25 seconds
    The Truth About Counterfeit Beauty Products Online

    Counterfeit beauty products are more common than many people realize, and they’re increasingly difficult to spot. You may think you’re buying an authentic foundation, lip gloss, or moisturizer on Amazon or other big marketplaces, but a recent Wirecutter investigation revealed how easy it is to buy fakes. 

     

    In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter senior writer Rose Maura Lorre about her six-month investigation into the world of counterfeit beauty and skincare products. She worked with a cosmetic chemist to test a dozen products, and most of them proved to be questionable. 

     

    Rose explains how counterfeit beauty products circulate online, what warning signs shoppers should watch for, and how to make sure the products you’re buying are the real thing.

     

    This episode covers:

    • Why counterfeits show up on legitimate shopping sites: Large marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Shein allow a variety of sellers to list products. T If the seller actually fulfilling your order isn’t the brand or an authorized retailer, it means the product is being sold by a “third party” seller, and it’s more likely to be a fake.
    • The most important thing to check before buying: Look closely at who the product is sold by and shipped from. If the seller isn’t the brand itself or a retailer you recognize, you’re taking a risk—even if the listing looks official.
    • How third-party sellers complicate things: Some products are real but diverted from authorized supply chains. They may have been stored improperly, tampered with, or sold past their intended distribution channel.
    • Why packaging clues aren’t always reliable: People often look for differences in fonts, labels, or packaging quality, but counterfeiters have become excellent copycats. The seller’s legitimacy is usually a more reliable signal.
    • The safest way to shop for beauty products online: Buy directly from the brand or from retailers the brand lists as authorized. If you’re shopping on a marketplace, double-check the seller information before purchasing anything.

     

    Additional reading:

     

    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.

    25 March 2026, 9:00 am
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