Lana Del Rey famously crooned about “hot summer nights, mid-July,” and a truer description of this time of year simply doesn’t exist. Other things that characterize this balmy, laid-back time of year? Sales — and lots of them.
Over the past few weeks, R29 editors (aka your trusty stewards of all things online shopping) have been hard at work covering a litany of sales taking place — and shopping a few of them ourselves. The fruit of our selective hauls? The following under-$100 items that the R29 shopping team bought and loved during the collective months of June and July. (Why $100, you may ask? The number marks a certain sweet spot between high quality and affordable; as much as the siren song of fast fashion can be tempting, we tend to believe that investing in better, fewer products is always a smart choice in the long run.)
Since our shopping lists were filled with everything from fashion to beauty to home, our monthly batch of favorites has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the market for heatwave-proof matching sets or scented dryer sheets, scope and shop the below products that our editors simply couldn’t keep to themselves. Buyer’s remorse? Never heard of her.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector
“I’m no Luddite, but I think there’s a strong argument to be made for the superiority of #cordedlife over the wireless earbuds craze. After years of relying on my AirPods, I finally caved last month and added these to an Amazon haul. After the first use, I have to say that it’s almost enough for me to stop using my AirPods forever. The pros are endless: I don’t have to charge these, they work as soon as I plug ‘em in (no connectivity issues or awkward “can you hear me”?), you can share one end with a bestie to jam out together, and of course, look like the retro queen you are while listening to your favorite podcast or album. (Also, the mic on these is better for calls than the AirPods Pros — there, I said it!) At under $20, these are worth it alone as a backup if you forgot to charge your wireless headphones — but honestly, the nostalgia factor alone is worth it for me. (Remember those 2000s iPod ads with the dancing silhouette? It’s giving that.)” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector, $, available at Amazon
Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Lip Gloss
“If you ever wanted your lips to smell like your favorite breakfast cereal, here you go. Covergirl’s Yummy Gloss in the sheer burgundy Acai You Later smells exactly like Froot Loops, and it puts a smile on my (juicy and glossy) lips every time. I also love how hydrating the formula is, the slightly tingly sensation it has, and how the sheer tinted shade looks both on its own and over dark lip liner." — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
COVERGIRL Clean Fresh Yummy Lip Gloss, $, available at Ulta
Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen
“This is the most beautiful sunscreen I have ever put on my body. In fact, I wouldn’t have even believed it was sunscreen if I hadn’t spent multiple days out and about in Miami wearing this stuff. In no way does it resemble the thick, hard-to-blend lotions of yore; the oil isn’t greasy, but rather hydrating and quick-absorbing, and the summery, beachy scent is positively addictive. I love applying it everywhere skin is exposed — shoulders, chest, arms, and legs — for an ethereal, goddess-like shimmer. (I imagine this is what Rihanna’s skin looks like all the time, probably.) My lone piece of feedback is that we need an SPF 50 version, and different shimmer tints (hear me out: Diamond oil?!) — because a girl needs options!” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Tanning Water
“I constantly reapply sunscreen during the summer; I’m petrified of tan lines and especially sunburns. However, I also want to look tan and sunkissed (minus the irreversible sun damage)! So I was thrilled when I tried Sally Hansen’s leg tanning water. Tanning lotions never seem to really create a noticeable, long-lasting tan on my skin, but this spray genuinely does, all while looking natural. This tanning water is specifically intended to use on your legs, but I use it all over my body, from my neck down to the top of my feet right after I shower. While I don’t see an immediate change, when I wake up the next morning, it’s super noticeable, and that’s $9 well spent.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Tanning Water, $, available at Target
14 Day Manicure Gentle Gels Polish Starter Kit
“Technically, whilst on sale, this at-home gel manicure kit is just under the $100 budget, but this has truly been my MVP for several months now — and especially this month, when Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour finally made its way to the UK. Rather than shell out on a spenny professional appointment, I treated myself to an array of the brand’s brightest, boldest and sparkliest shades in, of course, the colors of each Taylor Swift album and they truly did last the full 14 days; even surviving Glastonbury festival just after the tour (five hot, sweaty days in a field dancing, walking for hours, putting up and dismantling a tent etc). I’m so impressed, I don’t see myself going to the salon anytime soon.” – Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
14 Day Manicure Gentle Gels™ Polish At-Home Kit, $, available at 14 Day Manicure
Alo Unisex Half Crew Throwback Sock
“I am most comfortable working out in oversized tees, long workout leggings, APL sneakers, and crew socks. Despite exercising regularly — and working in fashion for a living! — I have yet to master styling crew socks with leggings though. They always end up looking too long or bunching up in awkward ways when I roll them. A few months ago, I stopped trying because I found Alo’s “half-crew” socks which are just long enough to pass the crew test without needing to be rolled down. Not only do I like how they look stylistically — I often wear them even when I don’t work out, along with the brand’s Match Point shorts, which are another new favorite for me — but they also feel like a cloud to wear because of the cushioned fabric.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Alo Unisex Half Crew Throwback Sock, $, available at Alo
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream
“This moisturizer from Medik8 holds a personal record as the fastest time I've emptied out a skincare product — I started using it a month ago, and I'm already almost done with the tub. As I've mentioned in my standalone review of this Medik8 launch, this product has serious potential as the moisturizer of the summer. A medley of moisturizing agents, including prebiotic peptides and squalane, keeps my skin supple and dewy, and I am simply in love with the silky and weightless texture. I've been applying it all over the dry patches on my arms and legs, too.” – Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, $, available at Medik8
Dedcool Dryer Sheets Xtra Milk
“Being in your 30s means getting excited over things like dryer sheets — and I love that for me. These Dedcool dryer sheets (they make detergent — aka dedtergent — too) not only eliminate static from my fresh load of laundry, but leave them gently scented. I’m obsessed with the Xtra Milk pack, which is a warm, skin-like blend of amber, bergamot, and white musk. It doesn’t smell like you doused your clothes in perfume, which I mean wholeheartedly as a compliment; you just smell really, really good.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
DedCool Dryer Sheets Xtra Milk, $, available at Dedcool
LA Sol Collective Clear Mineral Zinc Sunscreen
“On that a recent outdoorsy trip, my family spent a lot of time snorkeling, which meant that we needed a reef-friendly sunscreen so as not to harm the environment while protecting our skin. I dislike most mineral zinc sunscreens as they can leave a bad white cast, but I tested out LA Sol’s and I really like the formula. I’m not sure what particular ingredient makes it so easy to rub in, but it’s vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free — aka perfect for my sensitive skin. It wasn’t clumpy or sticky and I had an easy time rubbing it in and getting the protection my skin deserves.” – Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
LĀ SOL Collective CLEAR Mineral Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30, $, available at Amazon
Wipemate Pet Wipes, Unscented 100ct
“Whether I’m cleaning my dog’s paws after a walk or wiping something from his fluffy fur, gentle, preferably fragrance-free pet wipes are an absolute essential for me. I’ve tried a few brands, but these Wipemate ones are perhaps my favorite so far. Each wipe is sturdy yet soft (and biodegradable!), and they don’t irritate my pup’s skin or coat. Another thing that makes these special is that the wipes themselves are smaller than any other one I’ve tried, which is ideal for small- to medium fur babies. (In comparison, larger wipes than I need seem wasteful.) They also have vitamins A, C, and E to gently hydrate and soothe dry paws and fur, and my sweet Miso feels amazing after using these.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Wipemate Pet Wipes, Unscented 100ct, $, available at Amazon
Wondery Outdoors Ephedra Trail Skort
"I recently went on a very outdoorsy vacation in tropical weather where we did a LOT of hiking in the heat, so I didn’t necessarily want to wear pants. I love this Trail Skort, which is made of a lightweight, quick-drying nylon fabric and sweat-wicking nylon spandex blend bike short because it’s very stylish, has great coverage, and ample pockets for your necessities. I also wore this skirt to a pool party and found it super practical. didn’t have to lug around a huge bag and could just squish the essentials in the pockets and not feel gross sitting on the subway in a crochet dress.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Wondery Outdoors Ephedra Trail Skort, $, available at Wondery Outdoors
Nordstrom Poplin Button-Up Shirt & Shorts
“Matching sets are my go-to outfit formula in the summer when it’s too hot to think about what to wear, thanks to the way they make you look instantly put-together without trying. While they don’t come together, this Nordstrom shirt and matching shorts — which also come in plus sizes — have been in my constant wardrobe rotation since I first got them in the spring. The stripe print and the colorway embody the “European Summer” aesthetic that’s trending right now, while the oversized fit makes the look versatile enough to go from beach vacation (when worn with a bikini and flat sandals or sneakers) to weekend brunch in the city (with platforms or heeled sandals).” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Nordstrom Poplin Button-Up Shirt, $, available at Nordstrom
Nordstrom Pull-On Poplin Shorts, $, available at Nordstrom
Clevr Blends Rose Matcha SuperLatte
“I'm very particular about my matcha lattes, and not every coffee shop hits the mark, so I often try to make it at home. This habit also saves me money — and disappointment — instead of getting mediocre takeout matcha. It's quite time consuming to whisk up my own latte from ceremonial grade green tea powder, so I was elated to find this Clevr Blends mix. All I need to do is to add hot water (and a couple whirls with an electric milk frother, if I feel like it). I'm a fan of how subtly sweet and fragrant it tastes, as it has been enriched with rose and vanilla flavors.” – Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Clevr Blends Rose Matcha SuperLatte, $, available at Clevr Blends
Harper Wilde Cloud Cotton Triangle Bralette
“I am not exaggerating when I say that this is the only type of bra I will wear in the summer. Harper Wilde's wireless bralette has not only perfected the second-skin feeling of its cotton modal fabric, but it has nailed the functionality aspect, too. I'm really happy with its level of coverage; the triangular design is perfect for wearing underneath a slip dress, and yet there is enough support for my chest. Most importantly, the bra is lined so there's no worry about my nipples showing through (this is something that I often worry about with bralettes). I own this in neutral and black, and absolutely plan on growing my collection with more colorways.” – Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Harper Wilde Cloud Cotton Triangle Bralette, $, available at Harper Wilde
I Dew Care Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
"After spending a lot of time in the sun on vacation — wearing hats and sunglasses of course — I needed an A+ routine for my skin at night and came up with this ultra-hydrating but not-too-heavy routine. Every night I would shower, then pat serum on my face, and once it dried I would apply the I Dew Care Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer, a PM moisturizing lotion, which is light but impactful for the skin filled with hyaluronic acid and hydrangea leaf extract to help skin retain moisture. Each morning I put on the I Dew Care Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer to prep my skin followed by sunscreen. No dryness from the sun in sight!” – Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
I Dew Care Hydra Vibes 8-Hyaluroinc Acid Moisturizer, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Lake Pima Shorts Set in Hydrangea
“My apartment doesn't have an AC, so I'm always on the lookout for summer sleepwear that doesn't make me break a sweat at night. This PJ set from Lake fits the bill perfectly. It comes in a luxurious Peruvian pima cotton (dubbed the 'cashmere of cotton') that feels so cozy to swaddle in, and yet remains breathable and airy when I'm tossing and turning. There's a huge range of colors and patterns available, but I am partial to the basic blue-and-white stripe, which makes me want to climb into my bed with a good book as soon as I put it on.” – Venus Wong, Senior Writer
“Breakfast is one of my favorite things in this earthly world, and there’s nothing I love more than a sweet treat. I’ve also been trying to implement more protein in my diet but I can’t quite cut sweets, so I tried out this protein-packed mix with 11 grams of protein. I don’t even like blueberry waffles but I would fight someone for this waffle mix, which was delicious and super easy to make. Thank you, Chef Bob.” – Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Heavenly Waffles 13.5 oz Legacy Blueberry Heavenly Waffles® Mix, $, available at Heavenly Waffles
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