Rolling Stone Editors’ Picks, October 2026: Our Favorite Products, Sips, and Services of the Month

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Our shopping editors spent much of October hunting down the best Halloween costumes for our readers (there’s still time to check out our list before the clock strikes midnight on the 31st) and prepping holiday gift guides, because yes, it’s almost that time of year again.

In between, we tested hundreds of cool products, sipped some of the best spirits on the top shelf (and, for research purposes, a few from the lower one), and traveled to far-flung destinations that almost made us forget about the changing weather — at least those of us based in New York City.

The Best Products of October 2026, According to Our Editors

Through it all, we found plenty of products worth adding to our own carts, from puffer jackets made for the seasonal shift to early holiday gift ideas that will give you a head start on your shopping before the good stuff sells out.

We even discovered a few retreats worth booking if the thought of spending the coming months with family has you dreaming of an escape. Consider this your cheat sheet to everything our editors loved in October 2026.

Milwaukee Brewers 2026 World Series Champions Max90

Of all the sporting events we watched this October, the World Series was a highlight. The Brewers took home their first World Series championship, and while I wasn’t a Brewers fan before (Go Mets), it was hard not to get invested in watching this Cinderella story play out on TV.

Nike is currently selling official Brewers World Series merch, including this easy tee. Did I buy one? Yes. Is it stolen valor? I’ll leave that to the baseball purists. Personally, I see nothing wrong with hopping on a bandwagon when the merch is this good. —Alexis Mikulski

Columbia Amaze Puff Hooded Jacket

I have to admit: I already put decent mileage on this über-insulated puffer jacket from Columbia in the past few weeks (I run cold, OK?).

Soft like a feather courtesy of its lofty down fill and smooth exterior, the outerwear marvelously resists water (or beer spills on an Oktoberfest cruise; I checked), looks more elevated than other options on the market, and features the most thoughtful details — from fleece-lined pockets to interior straps for carrying it like a backpack when you get overheated. Forget parkas; it’s the season of puffers, and Columbia does them best. —Stacia Datskovska

Collective Retreats

Located on Governors Island, Collective Retreats is a stylish and peaceful getaway from New York City without actually leaving New York City. It’s a luxury “glamping” resort with an assortment of accommodations ranging from tents to suites, access to fine dining and premium cocktails, and spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, the Staten Island Ferry, and the Statue of Liberty.

The resort is picturesque, charming, and cute, and overall, very relaxing. It’s open seasonally from May to November. —Rudie Obias

TESSAN Ultra Thin Universal Travel Adapter

The TESSAN Ultra Thin Universal Travel Adapter, which is on sale for $28.99 (reg. $39.99), is the pick for savvy international travelers, thanks it is lightweight, durable, and useful in nearly 200 countries. It works to adapt to power outlets in every electrical region around the world, such as North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and United Kingdom standards. The travel adapter also has two USB-A and one USB-C ports to charge smartphones and tablets. —R.O.

Aura x Swarovski Frame

The best gift my boyfriend ever gave my mom just received a major glow-up. Aura’s newest Swarovski crystal–bedecked smart photo frame (there are over 15,000 gems embedded in it, to be exact) is equipped with the features you already know and love — while looking as glamorous as a luxury tennis bracelet. Think glare-free HD display, seamless setup, and the ability to showcase an unlimited number of photos and videos that can be added by friends and family at any point.

My personal favorite specs include the frame’s caption capabilities and app-based photo scanner (pure genius). Now, I’m also obsessed with that brilliant, glittering border: catching the light and making the memories it surrounds all the more special. If you’re on the hunt for a thoughtful Christmas gift this year, there’s nothing quite like an Aura. —S.D.

Anua Azelaic Acid 10+

A viral sensation across BeautyTok, Anua Azelaic Acid 10+ is designed to tackle breakouts, redness, and uneven skin tone, while azelaic acid itself is known for helping calm inflammation associated with acne and rosacea. A 2025 study found that azelaic acid was associated with reductions in both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions comparable to those seen with topical retinoids, suggesting it may be worth considering for those weighing whether to introduce a retinoid into their skincare routine.

I’ve been using this serum for eight months, and within about four weeks, I noticed fewer breakouts. The most immediate difference was less redness, which I noticed just minutes after my first application. I apply a pea-sized amount morning and night after washing my face with a gentle cleanser and letting my skin dry, then follow up with a gentle moisturizer. —Sophie Dunne

Breuckelen Distilling Company

Distilled from New York corn and crafted from juniper, lemon peel, grapefruit peel, ginger, and rosemary (one botanical at a time), Breuckelen Distilling Company’s Glorious Gin is expertly blended and layered with a medium-weight body for a bright flavor that has hints of citrus and spice. It finishes long and warm, and is ideal for premium cocktails, like a Martini, Negroni, and a refreshing gin and soda. —R.O.

Sensei Rival Pro

The world’s first pure Ultra-Wideband (UWB) wireless mice with true 8K performance. You’ll get unlimited battery life as you rotate the two batteries and can adjust your DPI to satisfy your needs across the games you play. —Jeremy Wilson

MacKenzie Childs White Flower Market Tea Kettle

There’s nothing I love more than unwinding with a nice cup of tea at the end of the day. But I was getting tired of the old, rather sad-looking kettle sitting on my stove — and, to be honest, a little embarrassed to leave it out when guests came over.

So, I recently upgraded to this MacKenzie-Childs option, and now it’s something I actually want people to notice when they walk into my kitchen. It adds a little extra fun to the ritual of making every cup, too. Macy’s has an impressive selection of MacKenzie-Childs pieces, and mark my words: This kettle is going to be one of the top gifts on my list this year. —A.M.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay

The British Virgin Islands have a pretty fitting nickname: the Billionaires’ Playground. But you don’t need ten figures in your bank account to get a taste of this coastal paradise. You can actually stay at Rosewood Little Dix Bay for under $2,000.

The breathtaking resort is reason enough to book a trip, but its scheduled events make the getaway even more tempting. Take the resort’s upcoming Tennis Cup, happening Dec. 4 to 6, where guests will have the chance to meet tennis superstars, including Grand Slam champion Madison Keys. (You can already reserve your spot.) And since we’re already thinking about holiday gifting, this feels like a pretty appropriate present to give yourself. After all, who says you have to wait until someone else puts a vacation under the tree? —A.M.

Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Trio

Some beauty purchases make you wonder how you ever got ready without them. For me, it’s Simplehuman’s Sensor Mirror Trio. I’ve only owned it for a month, but I haven’t gone a day without using it, which is saying something considering I used to treat makeup mirrors as an afterthought.

With three magnification levels, adjustable full-spectrum lighting, and two light settings that mimic sunlight and candlelight, it takes the guesswork out of getting ready. Plus, the cordless, rechargeable design keeps my vanity clutter-free. Is it a splurge? Absolutely. But after 30 days of use, I’d argue it’s one of those rare beauty investments that actually earns its keep. —Camila Quimper

Razer Hammerhead Gaming Earbuds

Constantly wearing over-ear headphones can become annoying. Using these earbuds, you get the best of both worlds. You keep the audio quality without the weight and pressure on your head from over-ear headphones. —J.W.

QC Spa New York

While on Governors Island in New York City, spend the day at QC Spa New York for rest, relaxation, and revitalization. The luxurious spa experience has a number of floors and buildings that feature a wide selection of mind, body, and spirit therapies and activities, from timber saunas and gentle waterfalls to foot baths and heated relaxation rooms (and much more, including full-body massages).

It’s best experienced during the fall and winter when the weather is cool and crisp, but the outdoor hot tubs and heated pools provide amazing views of lower Manhattan. Make a day of it! —R.O.

Bed Head Masterpiece Hair Spray

Over the years, my hair has become part of my personal brand, and I rarely leave the house without curling it. The only problem? It’s thick and long, which means getting those curls to hold their shape can be a challenge.

That is, until I discovered Bed Head’s Masterpiece Hairspray. It keeps my hair right where I want it, smells amazing, and doesn’t leave my strands feeling heavy or make it seem like I’m wearing a plastic helmet on my head. —A.M.

Lone Fox x Joon Loloi Hollyhock Printed Tapestry Rug

After years of following Drew Michael Scott’s Lone Fox home transformations, I had high expectations for his Joon Loloi collaboration. The Hollyhock Printed Tapestry Rug didn’t disappoint. Its tapestry-inspired pattern, soft Natural/Lagoon palette, and vintage character bring instant depth to an otherwise plain room.

I know firsthand what a difference it makes when you’re staring at blank white apartment walls and wondering what’s missing. It transformed my space into something that feels thoughtfully collected rather than hastily decorated. Better still, the quality is among the best I’ve tested. If you’re narrowing down the collection to one purchase, this is where I’d spend my money. —C.Q.

Flint and Tinder Waxed Harrington Jacket

My go-to transitional jacket so far this fall has been Flint and Tinder’s waxed Harrington jacket. Like most pieces from Huckberry’s in-house label, the Harrington punches way above its price point in terms of quality, and although I’ve only worn it for a few weeks, I have a feeling it’ll last for a long time.

I’m also a big fan of the design: It’s easy to wear casually, but works with button-ups and other dressier pieces. Inside the waxed exterior is a lightweight flannel lining, which provides the ideal amount of warmth for fall and spring weather. — Oscar Hartzog

Espolón Blanco Tequila

I pride myself on being the hostess with the mostest, so throughout October, whenever I had people over for a spooky-season get-together, I made sure to have Espolòn Tequila on hand.

Whether guests wanted to sip it straight or mix it into a cocktail, it was an easy crowd-pleaser that kept the spirits (and the spirit) flowing. —A.M.

Margaux Downtown Boot

This is probably one of the most beautiful pairs of boots I’ve ever seen, and I’m truly not exaggerating. The construction, quality, and the unique espresso hue were love at first sight, but what sold me the most was the comfort. I’ve experienced hands-on testing with their flats — which are my summer go-to — and was a bit skeptical about their heeled boots, but they still delivered.

They similarly incorporated their 5mm foam plush padding that supported my long walks in the city, all while being my most versatile and understated pair for the season. — Alisa Rendor

Apotheke Charcoal Candle

I’m not saying Apotheke’s Charcoal Candle has ruined other candles for me, but it has certainly raised the bar. Easily one of the best candles I’ve ever owned, it’s the one I always return to. Made with a premium soy wax blend, it combines smoky cedarwood, burnt maple, and hints of raspberry and cinnamon for a warm, inviting scent that’s neither too strong nor too faint.

Somehow, it makes my apartment smell like someone with exceptionally good taste lives there (I’ll happily take the credit), and guests regularly ask what smells so good. It has an almost space-resetting quality that works year-round, while the matte-black vessel looks just as chic as it smells. At this point, Apotheke has made it pretty difficult for any other candle to impress me. —C.Q.

Bombas Vintage Stripes Half Calf Sock

I’ve always been one of those people who didn’t think much about their socks as long as they did the job. Enter: Bombas. I definitely get it now, and it’s hard to go back once you’ve tried them. You instantly feel the quality once they’re on your feet — they are soft, plush, and most importantly, don’t slip or move during use. I especially love them for workouts, and they are reliable for daily use as well. —A.R.

Navia Unplugged, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico

Some of my favorite discoveries this October weren’t things at all, but places — like the Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita in Mexico. Not only is the property itself breathtaking, but its music-inspired experiences made us love it even more.

One example: the Unplugged concert series, which is happening now and continuing through November. This weekend, guests can even catch a special performance by Moriah, a Mexican American artist who has taken the stage everywhere from the Grand Ole Opry to CMA Fest. The resort is also child-free, with private bungalows that make for a magical stay in the middle of Mexico. —A.M.

SPANX Air Essentials Matching Set

I recently embarked on a long-haul flight to Asia, and some of the things that made it more bearable were my SPANX Air Essentials Half Zip and Pants. Comfort is key, and your wardrobe is an integral part of that. Wearing the matching set gave that instant elevated look, and its buttery soft material delivered maximum coziness.

Their length options for the pants are a huge plus and are highly appreciated by a petite girl like me. I am thrilled to report that I finally found my travel uniform. —A.R.