Good Housekeeping September/October 2024

MASHED POTATOES In large pot, cover 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes with water, add 2 tsp kosher salt and simmer until tender, 18 min. Drain potatoes and return to pot. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, simmer 1 cup half-and-half, 1 head garlic (halved crosswise), 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, 4 sprigs thyme and 4 black peppercorns, stirring occasionally, 6 min; remove from heat and strain into potatoes (discard solids). Add ¾ tsp salt and mash. ROASTED-GARLIC SPREAD Heat oven to 400°F. Trim and discard 1 in. from tops of 2 heads garlic. Place garlic on piece of foil, drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil and season with ¼ tsp each kosher salt and pepper. Wrap tightly and place in small baking dish. Roast until golden brown and tender, 50 to 60 min.…

THIS PAST WEEKEND, MY SISTER CALLED ME IN A BIT OF A PANIC: Her washing machine was on the fritz, and she needed advice on getting a new one. I think you can guess what I did right away — I reached out to our very own GH Queen of Clean, Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab, who of course had the perfect suggestion. Crisis averted! Whenever I shop for something important, whether it’s a portable AC, a high-performance skincare item or even a service like meal delivery kits (see pages 64, 14 and 68 for our top-tested picks), the first place I go is straight up the stairs from my office to the GH Labs to see the experts there. They are constantly testing the…

SCRUB “MOMMY” Group Digital Content Director Lauren Matthews and her son as Little Scrub. DOLLY WORLD Social Media Editor Olivia DiTomaso channels the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton! LAUNDRY DAY! These GH kids are a super-fun clean team! For more adorable DIYs, go to goodhousekeeping.com/homemade-halloween-costumes. Francisco: Jillian Sollazzo. Costumes: Mike Garten; costumes by Lis Engelhart and Alex Mata; hair by Meron Weyante for ABTP; makeup by Marc Cornwall for ABTP.…

WHAT’S NOW: Makeup Serums HERE’S HOW: You know serums from skincare, but now these liquid textures are taking over the cosmetics category. Like their complexion counterparts, foundation, blush, eyeshadow and lip serums have a lightweight feel and a translucent finish that looks fresh and natural. Dot the formula onto skin and blend it in with your fingers, layering as needed for more color impact. WHAT’S NOW: Metallic Touches HERE’S HOW: Like jewelry for hair and nails, updos and manicures adorned with metallics are starring in beauty looks this season. Dress up a simple bun, twist or pony with a shiny accessory like a hair clip, pin or slim headband; elevate a basic clear or neutral mani by adding silver or gold tips. WHAT’S NOW: Fanned-Out Fringe HERE’S HOW: Up the…

Sagging skin is caused primarily by the loss of collagen and elastin (proteins that give skin structural support and elasticity) with age, says Mamina Turegano, M.D., a dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology in New Orleans. And there’s no shortage of potions proclaiming to counteract it with firming and lifting effects. Most commonly in serum and moisturizer form, these products contain ingredients like peptides, retinol, vitamin C, growth factors and niacinamide that purport to stimulate collagen production or ones that plump skin, such as hyaluronic acid. THE TRUTH: Topical skincare products can work to firm skin, but they take time and may not produce dramatic results. “Many studies show that these ingredients can increase collagen production or decrease collagen breakdown,” Dr. Turegano explains, “but you need to use them consistently for months…

FACE SERUM This retinol formula increased skin’s firmness by 24% after four weeks of use in calculations with the Cutometer, which gauges skin laxity. NIGHT CREAM Tighten your skin while you sleep with this peptide cream; it upped firmness by 39% after four weeks, one of the highest levels in Lab tests. NECK TREATMENT Treat the skin below your chin: This serum was best at lifting and tightening neck skin in 12 weeks, per Lab digital imaging.…