39 Products That Are Basically Summer Life Hacks
Or if it's entirely too late for that, a delightful little tool called the "Bug Bite Thing" for those of you trying to enjoy a nice day out, because nothing ruins a good outing like a painful bug bite. This handy tool sucks up all of the saliva and venom that creepy crawlies leave behind in their wake — reducing any swelling, itchiness, or redness. No smelly creams or chemicals required!
An easy-to-apply one-hour (!!) self-tanner so you can get that sun-kissed glow without actually having to... you know... brave the sun. This tanner is basically magic in a bottle — it applies evenly, it doesn't leave behind any streaks, and it doesn't have a particularly strong smell like other home self-tanners. This gives you results in under an hour, so you can boast a perfect tan without the risk of your skin resembling the shade of Mr. Krabbs.
A super lightweight, sand-proof minimalist mesh tote bag perfect for all those beach trips you've got planned this summer. Not only is it resistant to those lil' grains of sand that go ~everywhere~, but it'll look super cute slung over your shoulder.
A 360-degree rotatable electric car fan so you can cool down your backseat quicker than it takes for the AC to circulate through the car. This is especially perfect for any little ones in rear car seats because, as anyone who lives in a hot climate knows, the car can get super hot, super fast.
A Mason jar-inspired cold brew coffee maker that will save you some money in the long haul when you start cutting down on those early morning Dunkin runs. You can say goodbye to the days of being late to work while stuck in a ridiculously long drive-thru line; your perfect cup can be made right at home — no heavy machinery or electricity required.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face SPF 60 Serum is a two-in-one sunscreen and moisturizer that'll protect you from those harsh sun rays while also hydrating or priming your skin for your next makeup look.
Orrrr a handy as heck Burt's Bees sunburn soother perfect for bringing some relief to any sunburns that may occur while you're skipping under the sun. Using a combination of aloe and coconut oil, this skin lotion can soothe and bring hydrating relief to your sun-kissed skin — working much quicker and more effectively than simple aloe alone.
A delightfully affordable battery-operated patio umbrella light you can easily clamp onto any umbrella to ~illuminate~ your outdoor seating. You're gonna need the extra overhead lighting when you're trying to fit in "just one more chapter" and the moon is already gracing the sky.
A refillable sunscreen sponge applicator with a rollerball inside because you're tired of rubbing sunscreen into your fidgety toddler's skin with your slippery fingers as they try their very best to evade your grasp. Oh yeah, your beach days are about to get a whole lot better.
A teensy undetectable laptop mouse jiggler you can simply slide into the USB port because you should have the freedom to get up from your desk, even when working from the comfort of your home. Now, you no longer have to scarf down that morning croissant for fear of showing up as "inactive" on Slack or Teams. Feel free to take your time enjoying that coffee — this jiggler has got you covered.
A waterproof pouch because you've always wanted to have a cool underwater photoshoot and this pouch is bound to make your dreams come true. It'll keep your phone safe as you wade into the ocean, and you can still use your touchscreen!! Time to take pics of all the cool fishies!! 🐠🐟🐡
A stick of Body Glide anti-chafing balm you'll want to apply liberally before starting your day. The last thing you want during your summer is any pain halting your ability to walk freely — with this balm, you can say goodbye to chafing troubles and hello to magical relief!
A bottle of Nyx matte-setting spray that will protect your flawless makeup look with a matte finish — all without having to fork over the $$$ that Urban Decay's setting sprays cost. This bad boy is not only travel-sized for your convenience, *but* can also keep your makeup in place for over 16 hours — even in the humidity!
A hands-free portable phone charger with a USB-C port that can fit in your pocket so you don't have to worry about your phone losing its juice when you're stuck in the airport for hourssss. This can charge your phone (up to 1.5 times) while on the go — plus, it's cordless, so you don't have to bring along any hefty cords.
A 360-degree portable neck fan for those of you who wanna stay cool even as the humidity climbs rapidly throughout the day. Just charge it with a USB and plop it around your neck for a portable AC unit that'll keep you cool as you brave the summer heat.
The internet-famous Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller that has become internet- famous for its ability to make excess oil disappear without the need to use blotting strips! Just swipe it over your face and watch how easily all that extra oil vanishes.
A Frostbuddy — in other words, the caffeine lover's biggest dream. You can just plop your iced latte into this, and it'll ensure that your drink stays iced cold (yeah, even if it takes you hours to drink your full cup). Slow slippers everywhere just shed a tear of joy.
A pack of unscented antiperspirant wipes for those of you who sweat the absolute second you leave your home — no matter what the weather may be. Now you can finally wear a light-colored top without fear that a huge sweat stain will take away from the aesthetics of your perfect 'fit.
A reusable, family-friendly sand removal bag so you can swipe away any of those pesky grains of sand that end up ~everywhere~. This bag is made from talc-free, reef-friendly powder that simply brushes off the sand with zero mess, and zero fuss.
A bottle of Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray to maintain those picture-perfect locks, despite the heat! This spray repels moisture to help stop humidity from impacting your hair, leaving it feeling smooth and silky. Just spray it liberally on damp, towel-dried hair, then blow-dry it for the finishing touch. Thanks to this spray, your blowout will stay put all day long!
A truly multi-talented set of colorful cooling towels because that summer sun can be brutal. Just soak it in some cold water at any sink/water fountain, wring it, and place it on your neck for some much-needed relief! These towels will stay chilly for several hours, saving you from having to refresh every five minutes or so. Bonus: each towel comes with a carrying pouch and a carabiner clip, so you can just clip it onto your bag/stroller for easy access!
An investment-worthy high-voltage outdoor bug zapper to vanish the creepy crawlies that threaten your peaceful outdoor lounging. Mosquitoes, gnats, flies, moths, and other insects, say buh-bye — your backyard is a bug-free zone!
A set of Sea Bands for those who get nauseous when they even think about stepping onto a moving vehicle. Applying pressure to the P6 acupressure point on each wrist can help almost instantly relieve motion sickness! Time to burrow into your plane seat, or board that boat confidently — comfortable in the fact that the pesky nausea won't be creeping up on you.
A cleverly designed rechargeable electric candle lighter to say goodbye to the days of messy fluid lighters and hello to clean and easy technology. It's windproof, so you can safely use this lighter no matter the weather conditions. And it also has a hidden lock safety feature, so you don't have to worry as much about your little ones getting their hands on it.
A fully adjustable portable backyard mister you can bend in any which way, so you can get some targeted ~coolness~ — perfect for those sunny days lounging in the backyard.
A portable Chill-O-Matic Instant Beverage Cooler because room temperature soda is totally not the vibe this summer. Just put your 12-ounce soda, seltzer, or beer into this little gadget, sit back, and be watch as your bevvy turns ice cold in just one minute!
A satin pillowcase that will look ah-maz-ing on your bed and are gentle on hair, meaning you're less likely to experience tangles or frizz no matter how much you toss and turn. And no, you don't need to spend as much as you would buying the popular Slip pillowcases to get a similar look.
A lightweight hybrid backpack, cooler, *and* chair you can carry around stuffed with drinks and snacks for an instant seat wherever you go. You're gonna be the most prepared parent at your kiddo's soccer match this summer.
A set of seamless, delightfully absorbent cotton and bamboo liners to catch the boob sweat that keeps accumulating throughout your busy day. Not only will it protect your top from the lining of sweat that embarrassingly stains your button-up, but it can also provide a barrier for your underwire so it no longer digs into your skin!
A portable handheld fan that will bring some much-needed cooling relief as you trek your way through theme parks, music fests, or outdoor shopping plazas. Small and compact, with two different speed functions, this fan is a necessity, especially during the height of summer. No need to let the humidity ruin your day, this FAN-tastic device will ensure your vacation remains as cool as can be. (Plus: the fan also works as a backup portable charger!)
An oh-so-cooling polar bear hydrating eye stick to bring some ❄️ ice-cold ❄️ relief to your puffy eyes. This stick contains a hydrating formula, which is blended with Iceland glacial water to help relieve puffiness, tighten skin, and tackle dark circles.
A mini sprinkler pool that is sure to keep your kiddos entertained for hours upon hours this summer. Reviewers love how easy it is to set up, and the animal and letter prints on the pad that make it a cute lil' place for the little ones to learn some symbols as they play!
A weatherproof outdoor Wi-Fi extender so you can actually enjoy your patio this summer as you WFH. You can enjoy the outdoors even if your scrolling through TikTok.
A Meridian "Manscape" trimmer — an excellent ~waterproof~ razor for anyone with sensitive areas and skin, since it's pretty much marketed towards men (but tbh, anyone could use). If you're tired of ingrown hairs, razor burns, and cuts, this razor is about to be your favorite new gadget.
A multipurpose, super adaptable pool float because you deserve to lounge comfortably as you're enjoying some much-needed pool time. You'll end up coming back for more once the other members of your family catch wind of how freaking comfy these are!
A set of Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier packets for those who aren't the biggest fans of drinking boring water *and* want to get some electrolytes in. This has so many different flavors, so it'll encourage you to hydrate throughout the day — your mother will be so proud.
A pack of ~waterproof~ Dr. Frederick's Original Better Blister Bandages if you tend to get some blisters anytime you walk for more than five minutes. Not only will these help prevent blisters, they'll even actively heal them and help reduce the pain that comes from friction!!
A Sharkbanz magnetic shark repeller, because you wanna enjoy swimming in the deep blue sea without fear of making any sharp-toothed friends while enjoying the waters. This band uses electroreception to deter sharks without causing them harm, so they stay far, far away from the band. Marlin and Dory probably should have invested in these before embarking on their expedition to find Nemo.
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Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
33 Products That'll Become Your New Summer Staples
A holy grail sunburn soother from Burt's Bees with both aloe and coconut oil to help hydrate sun-damaged skin with what feels like a cool drink of water on a blazin' hot day. It'll help you bid farewell to that nasty sunburn you tried but failed to prevent. Blistering and peeling? No thank you. DEET-free handy mosquito-repelling bracelets because you wanna be ready to defeat the bloodsuckers that come for you the moment you step foot outside. These essential oil-infused bracelets are individually wrapped in a resealable package and can help keep skeeters away! Dove's Coconut Milk & Sugar Lychee Body Wash so you can give your bod the gift of soothing moisture combined with a light, heavenly scent — it might even make you forget about how deathly hot it is outside. It's also a dream come true for those with sensitive skin, thanks to the nutrient-rich, plant-based milk formula that's free of sulfates and parabens. OR! A Naturium cooling gel body wash if you want a refreshing formula infused with cooling citrus extracts that will *also* work to neutralize body odor. Your summer wish is granted! This body wash is made with a gentle AHA called mandelic acid, which can help you stay fresh longer, even when it feels like the climbing temps are gonna take you out. A surprisingly effective instant foot-peeling spray when you desire baby-soft footsies for all the sandals you're gonna be wearing but don't have time to visit the salon for a pricey pedicure. Just spray onto clean, dry feet and rub away dead skin! For an extra peeling effect, use an exfoliating mitt! A set of spicy margarita instant cocktail tea bags that'll make your fave season *much* tastier without paying hefty bar prices OR completely overdosing on sugar. Combine three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor (if you wish), and the teabag in a glass, then enjoy the deliciousness after steeping for three minutes! A three-pack of retro-inspired polarized sunglasses to diversify your accessory portfolio with some vintage flair without overspending a single pair of Ray-Bans. It never hurts to have ✨options✨ and you won't find a better bang for your buck. A set of seamless "invisible" underwear you'll never wanna take off, so you'd be wise to buy a few sets *now* — thank me later. These have Victoria's Secret energy without the steeper price tag. They don't pinch, clip, OR ride up, so they're basically a certified summer staple™. A hands-free bladeless personal fan because you should be able to cool down whenever you feel like it — yes, even when you're on the go. The dual fan design has three speeds and sits comfortably around your neck to blow cool air at your face when you need it most. Camping, hiking, music festivals, and beach days got nothin' on you. 😎 Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face SPF 60 Serum so you can grant your skin its one and only wish — to have adequate sun protection *and* be properly hydrated without packing on tons of different products. The lightweight, nongreasy formula won't leave you with a ghostly white cast and can easily be worn under your makeup. Take that, evil UV rays!! Or a curved SPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar, aka a K-beauty product that'll make you *excited* about the SPF step in your daily routine while preventing tragic sunburn. This contoured stick covers a wide area, so it's easy to apply without any mess. It also goes on smooth and won't leave a sticky residue OR white cast behind! A "beach blouse" — let's face it, having a go-to cover-up for beach and pool days is basically a summer wardrobe essential. It's light enough that you won't start sweating bullets the moment you step outside. The best part? It's versatile enough to wear all year long! *Adds to cart immediately.* Some water-resistant sunscreen reminder stickers for forgetful folks who would benefit from a gentle nudge letting 'em know it's time to reapply SPF! These change colors to confirm your sunblock is working and then again when it's time to reapply. Have ALL the fun in the sun *without* it ending in an unpleasant sunburn. A paraben-free Jergens Natural Glow self-tanner when you're feeling woefully pale and need to get your glow back *without* sitting in the sun. It's designed to be used as a daily body lotion that may gradually enhance and deepen your natural skin tone over several days. Bonus: It's infused with collagen, elastin, and green tea to help visibly firm and tighten skin! Kitsch's new "Ultra Petite" Satin Scrunchies to pull your locks back on days when you have no choice but to be outside, but REFUSE to have a single hair touching your neck. The gentle satin fabric prevents creasing and helps protect against breakage, but it's still strong enough to give you a solid hold that'll last all day. Revlon Volcanic Face Roller if you wanna reduce the unwelcome shiny, oily layer that suddenly appears *right* after you finish doing your makeup. This magical tool will absorb excess oil with just a few swipes, which is basically a hot-weather MUST. No extra powder required! A hidden, plug-in fly trap that'll swat flies on your behalf because does anyone enjoy doing that? Each one provides 400 square feet of coverage to get rid of fruit flies, moths, gnats, and flies by naturally luring them in with a light. Or a super sticky insect catcher in fun shapes that goes straight to the source. Stick 'em right into the soil of your plants to help keep insects at bay. If your plant babies have ever been victimized by fungus gnats, you'll be eternally grateful for these! A set of game-changing colorful cooling towels, which can make blistering-hot days more bearable. You'll never want to leave home without it after you experience its ~chilling~ powers. Soak it in cold water, wring it out, and drape it around your neck for some sweet relief. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum — believe me when I say, humidity will HATE to see your hair coming with this stuff in it. This lightweight argan oil is made for all hair types and helps control frizz while adding definition to waves and curls. The best part? Your hair won't feel heavy or weighed down, which is the last thing you need as the weather heats up. Even Floridians swear by it, so you know it's the real deal. OR! Lottabody's Coconut Oil Foaming Curl Mousse when you need something that'll help your waves or curls prevail against the awful heat and humidity that awaits just outside your door. This all-in-one solution helps add volume, define curls, *and* manage frizz. Yeah, you'll want this in your bag at all times this summer. A pair of shockingly comfy Reef sandals you're gonna be head over heels for without *actually* enduring the pain of wearing heels, that is. They're made of vegan leather with a modest 1.75" platform *and* a bouncy footbed with solid arch support. Summer staple anyone?? Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush — don't forget that your scalp needs protection from the scalding heat, too! This summer staple works as a face powder on top of your existing sunscreen BUT you can also put it on your scalp, which is much better than trying to apply a sticky cream there! The best part? It's significantly cheaper than the $35 Supergoop and $36 Brush On Block! Body Glide anti-chafing balm because let's be real, when is any kind of chafing not annoying? Swipe it on problem areas, like thighs, underarms, etc. and it'll minimize friction and rubbing. Keep this stuff on hand and you'll easily conquer this body nuisance time and time again! Plus, this anti-blister balm so you don't spend the summer walking around in shoes that leave your ankles red and raw. It's most effective if you apply it at the start of the day to create a barrier between your skin and shoes! A bag of Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink mix if your hydration game is in need of some serious (and delicious) help. Replenish electrolytes *and* enjoy the delicious Popsicle Firecracker flavor you loved so much as a kid? Yeah, this will earn a permanent spot in your warm-weather beverage rotation. A moisture-wicking, high-ponytail running cap with UPF 50 protection you'll probably want to wear well beyond the warmer months. You can rock your fave hairstyle while also managing your sun exposure and protecting your precious scalp. Need I say more? A ginormous, ingenious sand-free beach blanket for anyone who cannot stand having a single grain of sand on their body, yet somehow finds themselves at the beach every summer — the struggle is real. This thing repels sand like magic *and* it's easy to repack without having to stress about bringing tons of sand into your car. And for good measure, a sand-removal bag you'll never leave home without, especially if you're headed somewhere sandy. Simply rub it on your body and watch the stubborn sand come right off! The bag contains a powder that absorbs moisture when rubbed on your body to quickly brush off any sand your towel might've missed. Nyx setting spray to complete your fierce makeup look with a much-needed BANG! A spritz or two of this stuff will help lock in your product with a matte finish so it lasts for hours without constantly reapplying *and* without overspending on Urban Decay's version. A long-lasting glow without the shine? Don't mind if I do. Thigh Society cooling shorts, which might just make you believe in miracles given how light and airy they are. Wear 'em under dresses, skirts, and any other garments that typically lead to a sweaty chafing situation. They won't roll, ride up, OR make your bum feel like a mucky swamp. Or some high-waisted running shorts with built-in briefs so you stay comfy all day long, even on the hottest of days. Whether you're actually running or just lounging, these are lightweight and made of a quick-dry material that can do it all. Plus, they come in so many vibrant colors so you might end up snagging a few. Some 'bust dust' anti-boob-sweat powder if you're determined to keep your bra dry regardless of how unbelievably extra the sun is being. This talc-fee powder contains lavender and chamomile for a soothing, sprayable solution you'll keep comin' back to.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
35 Must-Have Products You've Been Missing Out On
A box of *limited edition* fabric Band-Aids that'll feel like a major upgrade from the boring, plastic-y "flesh" toned ones that never actually match and don't stay put. These are way more flexible, come in gorgeous summery patterns, and will actually stay on longer than it takes you to pick up coffee at Dunkin'. A duo of Aquaphor Lip Repair tubes because I'm sure I'm not the only one suffering from extremely chapped lips. It's fragrance-and-paraben-free and filled with soothing shea butter and chamomile essence that'll help heal your lips in time for your next date night. A low-profile under-the-cabinet banana hanger you'll, for lack of a better term, go *bananas* over when you see 1. how easy it is to install (it literally just sticks on with a strong adhesive) and 2. how much room you suddenly have on your counter without your go-to breakfast taking up residence. A Dreo oscillating tower fan with six (!!!) speeds you can aim directly at yourself to ensure your always-too-hot body is kept at the epitome of comfort at all times. Since it's bladeless, it won't make a racket while you're trying to get some shut-eye or watch Real Housewives. A set of DEET-free mosquito-repelling bracelets that'll use the magic of essential oils (think: geranium and lemongrass) to keep those nasty little buggers away from your too-sweet skin. No more swatting around wildly while trying to hold a conversation at a BBQ! Bonus: these fit both kids and adults. A Pikk-It tool you can use to revive the vacuum that you had already pronounced dead. Surprise, it's not — it just needs a little love and care from your soon-to-be new fave tool! The sharp metal teeth will help you cut and remove any hair that's trapped around the brush head. (You can also use it on your hairbrush!) Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush to finally solve your dilemma over whether to spray/rub sunscreen onto your exposed scalp. Simply brush this translucent powder along your exposed part/hairline (after applying it all over your face, of course) to add some much-needed protection from the sun. A skin-firming neck and chest Gold Bond cream because chances are you've been neglecting these specific skin areas for years — well, now it's their time to shine! This cream is packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid and has been crafted to improve skin's elasticity and texture. TL;DR: you're welcome for introducing you to this magical stuff. And Nivea skin firming gel cream packed with an under-the-radar ingredient, Q10 (learn more about it), skincare fanatics have been raving about — a must-have for anyone who is looking to firm up their entire body and hydrate *all* of their skin (not just their face). It has more than 17,000 positive reviews (WOW!) and is beloved for how it's worked wonders on reviewers' neck and thighs. An instant foot-peeling spray that'll have you saying, "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Was this concocted by a witch in the woods?" because it works so incredibly well you won't believe your eyes as it renews your feet and leaves all of your dead skin in its wake. Burt's Bees After Sun Soother lotion for when you get attacked by the sun's harsh rays despite your best efforts. This lotion is packed with aloe and coconut oil to help your skin feel cooler after you accidentally got a bit too crispy sitting by the pool. An inflatable couch that'll convince you to actually go out once in a while since you'll be able to take the comfort of your couch with ya — plop this bad boy in the middle of the beach, a park, or your own backyard for a cozy, relaxing, good time. You won't even need a pump to blow it up (just trap some air inside it) and it can hold up to 440 pounds, in case your entire squad wants to pile in and snug under the stars. A sand-removal bag filled with a talc-free, reef-friendly powder to help remove the pesky particles your kiddo will likely have all over them after rolling around in the local playground's A Lalo Big Bites Kids Dinnerware Starter Set to replace the jumble of plates, bowls, and cups you've managed to acquire for your tykes over the years — this aesthetically pleasing set comes with a bowl, a plate, a cup, and utensils fit for your baby who is "a big kid now." Monday Haircare Dry Shampoo you'll want to use even when your hair is clean because it just smells so darn good! It features the scent of gardenias, a built-in keratin treatment (see ya, frizz), and an aesthetically pleasing pale pink bottle you'll want to display on your bathroom counter. A 2-in-1 nausea relief inhaler that'll make you feel like you can finally take on the world — and by that I mean boat rides and long drives. It's designed to help you get rid of overall nausea, motion sickness, and morning sickness. (Where was THIS during my two pregnancies?!) A Lobe Wonder earlobe support patch to provide you with a bit of extra support the next time you wear your favorite (albeit heavy) earrings — break out those big, chunky hoops without fear of them stretching out your piercing hole! A pack of carborundum sponges made from some of the toughest material out there (it's also known as Moissanite, yes, like the man-made diamond) to take your cleaning sesh to the next level. They don't even need soap to get the job done — just dip 'em in water and get to scrubbing. You're going to save *so* much money long term! An indoor plug-in fly trap that'll make a valiant effort to keep your kitchen fruit fly-free (and mosquitos, gnats, moths, etc). These pesky little bugs always seem to turn up the *second* the weather slightly improves. Instead of crying out, "THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS!" just plug this baby in and let it get to work. And an outdoor bug zapper to stop pesky bugs from eating you alive while you're trying to grill some burgers and hot diggity dogs. I'm sure your family will miss the "show" of you swatting around wildly mid-cooking, but they'll just have to entertain themselves with a card game or some music instead. (Sorrrray!) Neutrogena Hydro Boost Body Moisturizing Gel Cream made with a super light, non-greasy formula that'll feel like a refreshing drink of water for your skin. Just imagine how incredible it'll feel to apply after your post-beach shower... soooo good. WellPatch migraine/headache patches you'll praise as a holy grail product once you discover how wonderfully their cooling effect helps ease pain from your biggest nemesis: a powerful migraine. Pop it onto your forehead or neck; it should work for up to 12 hours! Highwaisted athletic shorts with built-in underwear that'll solve all of your what-should-I-wear-when-it's-100-degrees dilemmas this season — they're made from quick-dry fabric that'll help you get through your workouts and hot summer days. Or bike shorts (with pockets, yahoo!) to replace your leggings during the warmer weather — pair 'em with an oversized tee or sweatshirt to channel Princess Diana or a longline bra tank for a lightweight workout 'fit. A travel-size Bounce anti-static and wrinkle-release spray, because who has time to wait for an iron to heat up anymore? Spritz this all over the tee you rediscovered at the bottom of your dresser drawer to bring it back to life. McCormick's Potato Topping Seasoning for anyone who is bored to tears with their weekly meal preps and is desperately in need of a way to *literally* spice things up. It's made up of a delectable blend of salt, garlic, asiago cheese, sugar, butter, and onion that'll make even a basic baked potato feel brand new. Vanilla Velvet Touchland Power Essence Hydrating Body and Hair Fragrance you can easily stow away in your tote to freshen up your scent throughout the day (a must during these gross, sweaty, summer days). A Bounce Curl Define EdgeLift Brush that'll be a game-changer for anyone who has curly or wavy hair — if you've been tuning into Love Island USA, *this* is what's got Cierra's curls on POINT. It has grooves along the edges to slot your hair through while you brush it to encourage defined, separated, natural curls (no heat styling needed). It also has a precision parting tip on the end of the brush — it really does it all. A bag of Liquid I.V. electrolyte drink mix in a festive firecracker Popsicle flavor that'll give you the perfect excuse to try it out if you've been putting off putting this bev to the test — it'll keep you hydrated while also helping you feel like you're indulging in a classic summertime treat. Reviewers can't help but rave about how delish it is! Or Blue Bottle's New Orleans–inspired instant coffee packets will bring your tastebuds to Bourbon Street (even if you've never set foot there in real life). This blend has chicory root powder to give it that unique NOLA taste you've likely been craving since you tried it in a Blue Bottle cafe IRL, who sells this blend regularly. A two-pack of undated planners that'll look cute on your desk while also providing you with the perfect space to note that you need to plan your cat's birthday party, text your mom about your date from last night, and pick up some coffee beans. Bedsheet tags to make the dreaded task of putting your 'em back on your bed easy and breezy instead of stressy and messy — no need to break a sweat and mutter a bunch of expletives while trying to conquer your chores. A set of 10 retractable Crayola markers parents will want to cry tears of joy over, since now they'll never have to spend a post-bedtime evening on the ground, searching with their phone's flashlight to see if a missing marker cap has rolled underneath the couch. Phew. A packable Baggu tote with a playful print on it to let you show off a bit of your personal style even when you're just carrying your farmers market haul back to your apartment. And a sleek Béis tapestry belt bag in a vintage-inspired floral print that'll finally sell you on buying a fanny pack — it'll add a little bit of flair to the "I'm constantly running around" vibe you're typically sporting.
Eater
2 days ago
- Eater
The Best Things the Eater Staff Bought in June, Including the Ultimate Garlic Condiment
The first month of summer came and went like a charcoal grill flare-up, leaving the Eater staff to not only consider purchasing an electric pellet grill (Traeger's having a sale, after all), but to take stock of all the delicious, handy, and head-turning kitchen and food items that we bought in the month of June. Last month, the Eater staff took home radicchio motif dresses and whimsical butter dishes. In the month of June, we found ourselves smashing the order button on tadka spoons, Cuisinart food processors, and giant Mason jars, because vertical meal prep storage is where it's at; we dressed our tables with Belgian linen napkins, served up Ina Garten's cult-fave coconut cake for Father's Day, and found the Platonic ideal of dirty martini olives. Polish your cocktail shaker, and let's shop for the very best stuff the Eater staff bought (and loved) last month. True dirty martini heads know: When you make them at home, one of life's greatest quandaries is how to deal with the not-quite-balanced ratio of olives to brine in your standard jar, resulting, in many cases, in the need to buy supplemental brine. The geniuses over at Quincy have (deliciously) resolved this issue by designing a (frankly very attractive) jar of olives that has the ideal quantities of brine and olives so that there's no waste either way. Not to mention, the olives are large, juicy, and delicious, and the brine is supremely salty and savory for a perfect 'tini every time. Now all I need is this $200 zodiac-themed cocktail pick set (my birthday is in 10 months). —Hilary Pollack, senior commerce editor Some people treat themselves to new shoes or jewelry when they get good news. But when I had something to celebrate earlier this month, I splurged on a spoon. As someone who cooks a lot of Indian food, I'm often making tadka — the spice-infused oil drizzled on top of many dals and curries. But using a sauté pan or, once, a ladle bent at 90 degrees, just wasn't cutting it. Diaspora Co.'s tadka spoon is a beautiful cast iron piece, deep enough to let me heat fat and bloom spices without having to chase them around a pan. Plus, it's light enough to move easily from stovetop to plate. Anyway, you should put tadka on everything. — Jaya Saxena, correspondent A few months ago, I broke my cheap mini food chopper. The silver lining was that I got a chance to reassess whether I needed it or not. After ending up in a very bad mood after trying to crush too many herbs with my too-small mortar and pestle, I decided that I did, in fact, need it. I went for a slightly larger, upgraded version from Cuisinart, since its regular food processors are such workhorses. I still don't have room in my kitchen to justify one of those, but there's just enough room on top of my fridge for this little four-cup version. — Bettina Makalintal, senior reporter I just got back from a delightful trip to Japan, where I ate approximately seven tons of noodles, sushi, muscat-flavored gummies, and other delights. It was difficult to resist the temptation to grab a super soft ham-and-egg sando or a little on-the-go fried chicken when passing a konbini (convenience store), and as a result, I did a lot of impromptu snacking. It's not always easy to find a place to wash one's hands while exploring cities, and so I packed a bunch of these ALŌH Skin sanitizing hand wipes I really love. They smell ~*~expensive~*~ (like peppermint and eucalyptus — instant aromatherapy), leave your hands feeling super clean and moisturized with aloe, and come individually wrapped so there's no risk of them drying out. I keep a few in my purse now at all times; you never know when you might need to grab a sandwich or a Family Mart Hokkaido melon pan. Also great for long plane rides. —HP Out of all the non-plastic storage containers I own, the classic Ball Mason jars really pull their weight, serving as charming vases for sprawling farmers market bouquets, air-tight jars for dried goods, and as the ideal vessels for storing tomato-ginger chicken and rice soup in the refrigerator. — Francky Knapp, commerce writer Last year, I visited Oaxaca de Juárez, a city known for many things including gorgeous indigenous textiles. I stuffed a duffel bag with all sorts of goodies, including a set of woven placemats in an off-white and cobalt blue. But, like an idiot, I didn't get matching napkins. Thankfully, LA's Block Shop has saved me from my own stupidity with their gorgeous Dolly napkins. The linen napkins match my Oaxacan placemats (and most of my other ones), and their striped and polka dot design add a cool pop. Best thing I've used to wipe sauce off my face in months. — Alex Zaragoza, contributing writer Ah, Father's Day — that famously hard-to-shop-for non-bank holiday where I usually end up buying my dad another Carhartt T-shirt and a book about the Gold Rush. In the spirit of not buying more things that my spartan pops doesn't really need, I ordered Ina Garten's famous coconut cake to my parents' house in California for the celebration; I'm happy to say that it arrived in just three days in perfect condition, and received reports from the whole family that it tasted like a coconut cloud. — FK After years of gazing at the Le Creuset website and ogling the factory-to-table sale mystery boxes, I finally got a braiser to call my own. The price initially scared me, but after a few weeks of using it, it's quickly become one of my favorite purchases ever. After some trial and error with finding the right cooking temperatures and preheating time, I've been reaching for the braiser for practically everything. Recent hits made in the braiser have been Xi'an Famous Foods-style cumin lamb and biang biang noodles and kimchi jjigae. I'm already looking forward to making focaccia in the pan, or even salsa-drenched enchiladas. — Rebecca Roland, associate editor Maldon's finishing salt is so delectable and flaky, it makes me understand why wars were once fought over this ionic compound. The sea salt is still hand harvested in the English village of Maldon, and it has a pyramid-like shape that gives it a delicate crunch that's perfect for cookies, eggs, ice cream — you name it, it could use some Maldon salt. No wonder I bought an actual bucket of the stuff. — FK One of my best friends came down from Portland recently and brought a bunch of local food products as gifts. Among my favorites, and the most deliciously stinkiest, is Garliki Fermented Garlic Culinary Paste. If you're into your garlic hitting you like a city bus with broken brakes, this is for you. I've added bits of it to dressings, sauces, and even dared to dip a pita chip into it straight. My breath could fend off all of Wisborg's hottest townspeople from Nosferatu. – AZ
