You Deserve a Vacation, & Our July Editors’ Picks Will Help You Make the Most of It

We could all probably use a restock on sunscreen, and SEO Editor Marissa Wu recommends picking this one up for the year’s hottest months. “This is my favorite sunscreen after testing like 50 over the past couple years!” she says, adding, “The chemical formula is lightweight and not greasy, but still SPF 50. It’s the best intersection of quality and value that I’ve found!” Indeed, this bad boy is just only $20, which is exactly why I’m adding to my cart right now.

Nothing screams summer quite like a denim outfit, and I’m in love with this Y2K-inspired denim mini dress from Showpo. First of all, the fit is fabulous —it shows off your figure while not being too tight (I don’t like things that cling to my body too much on a hot day) and works with a wide range of shoe options. Depending on where you’re headed, you can pair it with stilettos for a dressier look or go casual with flats or sneakers. Plus, it’s only $90, which I consider a steal for the quality.

An essential this season for Candace Davison, VP of editorial content? These highly rated hair bands from Gimme Beauty, which just might be the vacation staple you didn’t know you needed. “I just bought these hair ties for extra fine hair—they have styles for every hair thickness—and I was skeptical at first. They're pricey for hair ties, so I wasn’t sure if they’d be worth it, but they're so gentle on my hair, holding everything in place without tugging or weighing it down. Plus, the band is thick enough to add oomph to my otherwise puny pony!”

According to Wu, goat soap is absolute must for the summertime. “I’m not usually one for fancy soap, but I’m 100 percent on the Beekman 1802 train. I was skeptical at first, but then my brother tried it while visiting me. He has eczema on his face, and after three days of using the soap, it cleared up significantly. Every time someone has visited me, they make a point to tell me how good it is, unprompted. Great for gifts and sensitive skin!”

Want to glow this summer? Just pick up this body polish from Isle of Paradise, which is another essential on Davison’s list this season. “In the summer, smooth skin is a must, so I trade my body wash for this exfoliating—yet supremely moisturizing—one from Isle of Paradise. It smells like a tropical vacation, and I love how it sloughs off dead skin without drying you out (especially if you live at the beach/pool this summer or have hard water).” Smooth skin aside, did I mention it’s currently 20 percent off?

Did Associate Editor Sydney Meister just find our jeans of the summer? I think she did, as I just fell instantly in love with these wide-leg jeans from Veronica Beard. “I’ve been hunting for a summer pant that feels structured but still breezy—and Veronica Beard’s Taylor wide-leg checks every box,” she tells me. “The ecru color is light enough to sub in for linen, but the raw hem and rigid Japanese denim give it just enough edge. High-rise, zero stretch, and made for a white tee moment (or a slinky silk tank when I’m pretending I’m in the South of France).” Crafted with 100 percent cotton, these jeans are also super comfortable, according to buyers, and there are multiple colors to choose from if you’re on the hunt for a different shade.

Speaking of the ultimate vacation vibes, I’ve had these flats on my wish list for months, and I think I might finally treat myself for my trip to Orlando. The 100 percent Italian cow Nappa leather upper makes them look much more expensive than their $60 asking price, and the comfort box is checked with a non-slip rubber outsole and ortholite insole, which the brand says is padded and features a cushion arch support for maximum comfort. As for the breathability component, that box is checked as well, with side vents that prevent excess sweating, and while I’m particularly fond of this black color, there are two other colorways available as well.

If you struggle with skin dryness during the summer, Wu has you covered with this Hydraluxe cream from Emme Diane, which she says is worth the $40 splurge as it has great lasting power. “After trying an innumerable number of moisturizers over the years, I’ve finally settled on Emme Diane's HydraLuxe cream. It's mid-range in terms of pricing, lasts a decent amount of time and a little goes a long way. Plus, it's versatile and not something I feel I need to swap out on my drier skin with the season. There’s also no pilling, and it has a gentle, almost powdery scent that is not overpowering. Oh, and it’s noncomedogenic too!”

I’m not the biggest fan of earbuds because I like to play my music loud, and, well, earbuds make it feel as though I am constantly on the verge of giving myself Tinnitus. That said, I’ve been told headphones are a healthy balance to blast music while not putting your hearing directly at risk, so I will be giving these bad boys from Skullcandy a try the next time I work out. They are sweat and water-resistant and have breathable ear cushions that make wearing them ten times more comfortable. The sound is also incredible, according to those who have given them a shot, or as one reviewer writes, “A 5-star for sure. I really like these headphones, and the bass is amazing. They have been perfect!” Count me in!

My 15-year-old sister has a penchant for not taking care of her cellphones, so I’m not sure this is a wise investment on my end, but hopefully this brand-new Nothing Phone 3 will be the push she needs to start treating her devices responsibly. It’s *so* cool with its tech-savvy, futuristic design, and I love the 50MP Quad Camera System, which comes with the brand’s Ultra XDR 4K video, Auto Tone, Portrait Optimizer, Motion Capture Mode and an ultra-savvy night mode for Instagram-worthy flicks. Plus, there are AI capabilities, and the speed is super-fast thanks to its Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip. If my sister doesn’t treat this well, I will!

When traveling with a family of four—especially for longer trips—Davison has gone from a no-checked-bags-ever policy to relishing in the chance to haul everything in one place (and let TSA handle it). “I need luggage that can take a beating, and that’s why I love Quince’s Large Check-In. It’s sturdy and roomy, with compression straps to help maximize storage and a TSA-friendly lock on the outside to protect your belongings,” Davison says. “Plus, the wheels glide smoothly, in 360 degrees, which is great when I’m running from place to place.” Even better—it’s a fraction of the price of similar styles.

I'm not kidding when I say these are the most comfortable leggings I have ever worn. Made with a stretchy polyester material that is also sweat-wicking, they almost feel as though I'm wearing nothing at all, giving them a texture that is the true definition of buttery soft in my book. While some may consider the price to be a bit on the expensive side for leggings, I think they are worth every single penny due to their quality. And if that isn't enough, they've also got built-in UPF 50+ protection—perfect for outdoor workouts.

LaBarbera also plans on scooping up this stylish square-cut tank from Everlane, which is loved by buyers for its comfort. "It looks like the perfect length to pair with high-waisted pants and shorts, and I love that it's stretchy, too."

Ayesha Curry's Sweet July Skin is quickly becoming one of my favorite beauty brands, and I can't wait to try their new lip treatment, which features a multi-benefit treatment that hydrates, smooths and plumps your lips. There are three different flavors available (I'm fond of the guava jelly), and if you want to snag all three in one go, you can purchase the Lip Treatment Discovery kit for just $64.