Reader question: Help for dry winter scalp! Dandruff shampoos only make it worse. —@brandyo Here’s the problem: It sounds like you’re trying to treat a dry scalp with dandruff shampoo, which is a common mistake. People often use dry scalp and dandruff interchangeably because they have the same symptoms, however, they are two different conditions that have different treatment plans. To get to the root (ha) of the issue, it’s important to know the difference between dry scalp and dandruff—and how to identify the two so you can properly diagnose (and treat!...

Sounds like a dream, right? After a month of use, I can confirm the promise of Drunk Elephant’s A-Gloei Retinol Oil is very real. Gradually increasing my use of the oil from once weekly to twice weekly, I’ve not yet experienced any irritation or redness. In fact, my skin is looking significantly clearer, and it feels softer to the touch. To buy: $72; sephora.com. If you’re wondering why skincare enthusiasts are willing to risk potential retinol side effects, it comes down to its proven benefits....

If you’ve ever been browsing the racks at a store lamenting, “I just want one normal dress!” chances are you’ve already gotten hip to the price-saving, streamlined shopping experience of shopping direct-to-consumer brands. It’s right at the crossroads of sensible, fashionable, and trendsetting. In other words, shopping at its best. But with so many new options out there, it can be hard to keep track. Here are a few of our favorites to shop....

INDUSTRY PROS: Margaret Dasso, a co-owner of The Clean Sweep Housekeeping Agency; Laura Dellutri, the author of Speed Cleaning 101; Charles Gerba, ph.D., a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, in Tucson; and Cheryl Sousan, the founder of the lifestyle blog TidyMom.net. Less of that: Scouring away the smell of last week’s forgotten fluke. A strong refrigerator odor is not only gross but can also be aggressive, seeping into the flavor of milk, eggs, and butter....

Investing in energy-efficient home upgrades can be pricey (my husband and I just spent $25,000 on new windows and a new deck), but it can save in the long run by cutting down on your utility bills and ultimately making it easier to sell your home in the future. If like me, you are a new-ish homeowner (or a current homebuyer), you may be wondering what eco-friendly upgrades are worth the price tag and which ones won’t do much....

The shapewear brand sent me a pair to test out a few years ago, and it’s remained my favorite underwear for all sorts of activities, especially running, sleeping, and traveling—three things that demand the highest quality of undergarments. If I could have a drawer full of these thongs on constant rotation, I would. Their $20 price tag is the main reason I buy them in moderation. To buy: $20; spanx....

Finding your ideal hair removal method for different kinds of unwanted hair is usually a trial and error process, but here are some of the typical upsides and downsides to shaving, waxing, laser removal, and depilatory cream—plus other random tips and facts to know before you try. Shaving Best for: Your legs and underarms. Keeps you hairless for: Usually one or two days, depending on how fast your hair grows....

Jonathan Coddington is the curator of arachnids and myriapods at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, in Washington, D.C. Mantill Williams is a spokesperson for the American Public Transportation Association, in Washington, D.C. Patrick Smith is a commercial airline pilot and the creator of askthepilot.com, an air-travel info site. John Jensenius is a meteorologist and a lightning safety specialist at the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine. John Andersen is Schindler Elevator Corporation’s district service manager for downtown Chicago, an area that is home to the Willis Tower, the tallest building in North America....

So what’s replacing the long-standing favorite? According to Trulia, more versatile, low-maintenance materials like quartz will reign supreme this year. Houzz reports that 43 percent of their survey participants said they were choosing engineered quartz for their countertops, compared to 34 percent who chose granite. And while 34 percent may sound like a decent number, Houzz notes that the material has been on a three-year decline (down from 45 percent in 2016)....

RELATED: The 11 Best Grill Cleaners to Keep Your BBQ Spotless RELATED: Expert Tips to Build the Best Burger Ever RELATED: Does Your Instant Pot Double as a Smoker? We Tested It and Weird Things Happened RELATED: How to Cook Steak Perfectly at Home Remember to add a little extra seasoning than you normally would, as most of it will fall off as it cooks. Lastly, before your meat hits the grill, make sure to pat it dry in order to form the best crust and grilling marks....