Summer is finally here. Which means shopping. Shopping for vacation essentials, travel must-haves, the latest summer trends, and everything else I need to have the best summer my budget can buy.
And while I’m prone to scrolling and saving countless items, the items that make it out of my cart are carefully selected. And, of those items, the ones I recommend to my friends are the ones I get the most use out of.
So, as a proponent of smart summer shopping and a girl who couldn’t gatekeep to save her life, I am sharing my summer picks from the best items I bought all June.
Here are the best items our editors bought this month — run, don’t walk, to add them to your cart:
All products featured are independently selected by our editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.
Superegg Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Mask
I’ll admit, I’ve always thought eye masks were over-hyped. Even when I splurged and bought them for myself, I did it for the aesthetic. I’d take a few pictures, then they’d inevitably slide off of my face — I mean seriously, does anyone know how to keep them on?
These Superegg Calm Movements Eye & Cheek Masks have changed my mind — and my life. I promise this: I’ll never buy another brand of eye mask again. Shaped for your eyes and cheeks, they target more surface area, meaning you get more bang for your buck, and also meaning they actually stay SAT on my face the way I want them to. Needless to say, my camera roll is filled with selfies of me enjoying their refreshing, hydrating, and aesthetically pleasing benefits. And my texts to my friends are filled with me recommending them.
ILIA In Frame Brow Gel
ILIA Beauty, a clean brand our editors love, just launched their new brow gel and I am obsessed. I’ve been a loyal consumer of the Glossier Boy Brow since it launched and became one of my signature makeup products. However, when summer comes and I barely wear makeup, I want a fluffier, more malleable shape and no pigment. This brand new ILIA In Frame Brow Gel gives just the right amount of hold and stays styled just so all day — even in the summer heat.
Dore and Rose Silk Eye Mask
When I travel, I almost exclusively take red eyes. This is a hot take, but I love them. The airport is way emptier when I’m going through security, I get a whole day before I have to leave and a whole day when I land, and I pop a couple of melatonin for sweet, sweet slumber all through the flight. This is also my trick to beating (or at least lessening) jet lag. But sometimes it’s hard to sleep through the bustle of a busy plane. There are reading lights, the TV of the person next to you, and the overhead lights during food service. All of them sabotage my sleep. Sure, some airlines will give you flimsy eye masks but they feel like cardboard on my skin.
I’ve been using the Dore and Rose Silk Eye Mask religiously on every flight so far this spring/summer and I am never going back. It’s made of high-quality mulberry silk which feels luxurious sitting on my skin. It’s also heavy and thick enough to fully block light while still being comfortable. I’ve thrown it in the wash and the material has held up each time. Plus, since I’,m known to do plane skincare, this mask is specifically created with skin-recovering components. Its silver ion technology is proven to eliminate acne-causing bacteria on your face. It also prevents fine lines and eye wrinkles, provides an eye-cooling depuffing effect, diminishes clogged pores, and enhances sleep quality. I wake up feeling — and looking — refreshed. Yes, even after a flight.
Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil
I am a sucker for Makeup by Mario. The Skin Enhancer is one of the few products I’ve used every single ounce. Well, he came out with a blush in the same formula and I literally sprinted to my closest Sephora to pick up the Makeup By Mario Soft Pop Plumping Blush Veil.
I got the shade Just Peachy, which gives me the perfect natural glow for the summer. It’s light and glowy, buildable and super easy to blend. It’s my new go-to when I don’t want something as heavy as Rare Beauty.
Hearth & Hand with Magnolia Golden Hour Candle
I’ve become borderline obsessed with candles ever since moving to my apartment. I’m the type of person who picks up every single candle in a store. When I happened upon this Magnolia Golden Hour Candle at Target, I sincerely couldn’t put it down.
With notes of orange, vanilla, and lemon, it’s fresh and light. It’s a slow burner with an even melt, and I couldn’t be more serious when I say this candle is what’s missing from your home.
CofeLife Vegetable Chopper
I’ve been trying to save money and fall back in love with cooking, despite my tiny kitchen. To save myself time, energy, and effort, I wanted a veggie chopper to make the process easier. This one grates cheese, grinds garlic, and separates egg yolks. It does it all, truly.
