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Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.

Peak summer has arrived, and our online shopping carts are living proof. In other words, it's time for another edition of R29 Loves, our monthly roundup of the latest fashion and beauty launches editors genuinely can't stop talking about — the ones flooding our Slack channels, group chats, brunch tables, and more.

Our latest haul is packed with everything getting us through the hottest stretch of the season: breathable wardrobe staples, makeup that holds up against sweat and humidity, vacation-ready accessories, little luxuries, and more. Among this month's favorites, you’ll find our beauty director’s go-to hypochlorous acid mist and a sparkly eyeshadow stick that rivals luxury formulas, to the chicest summer fragrance we’ve smelled yet. Not to mention a handful of outfit-making accessories we'll be wearing long after the heat wave ends.

Ahead, the fashion and beauty finds that made our month — and deserve a spot in your summer rotation.

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.

Rhode Pocket Bronze

"Rhode's Pocket Bronze makes bronzing so easy that anyone could do it. This silky bronzer stick glides over the skin and lends the kind of warmth and dimension that, previously, only a tan could achieve — but there's no sun damage here. Instead, the balm is filled to bursting with ingredients like skin-strengthening, moisturizing peptides. That doesn't mean it skimps on pigment; far from it. One swipe along the forehead, nose, and cheeks is enough to warm up my complexion, but if you want even more dimension, you can build it up. I like to apply it with a brush for a more seamless effect." *— Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director*

**Rhode** Pocket Bronze, $, available at Rhode

Lululemon Court Rival High-Rise Short 3"

"If I love something, I tend to buy several of that item in different colors, and these are my favorite Lululemon shorts to wear around the city. The pockets are perfect for keys and cards, and the material is lightweight and airy to prevent sticking in humid NYC heat. So of course, I had to grab another pair in this Cherry Ember color, which is, coincidentally the perfect Knicks orange shade. Go New York, go New York, go!" *— Lisa Dionisio, Newsletter Director*

**Lululemon** Court Rival High-Rise Short 3", $, available at Lululemon

Colourpop Jelly Much Gel Eyeshadow Stick

"I go feral for any glittery eyeshadow, so the second I saw these ColourPop Shadow Stix drop, I knew I had to try them. (It helps that I'm already a huge fan of the brand's Jelly Much shadow pots.) They glide on effortlessly — just apply and blend in with clean fingers — and leave behind the prettiest wash of sparkle. I'd even call them a solid dupe for the Danessa Myricks Beauty Colorfix Stix (another favorite of mine), though they don't quite have the same staying power. I picked up the shades Big Energy and Aura Points, which are subtle enough for everyday wear but will also be on rotation for concerts and festival season." *— Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Beauty Writer*

**ColourPop** Jelly Much Eyeshadow Stick, $, available at ColourPop

Keen Newport H2 Sandal

"I'm fully leaning into summer camp-meets-gorpcore this season, and I've been wearing these Keen Newport H2 sandals nonstop. The Triple Black colorway goes with everything (the beauty of black!), and they're easily the most comfortable sandals I own. Even after long walks, my feet still feel completely supported. They're equal parts practical and cool. In other words, orthopedic, but make it chic." *— Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Beauty Writer*

**KEEN** Women's Newport H2, $, available at Keen

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Highlighter

"By now, you probably know that three-quarters of my makeup bag is Charlotte Tilbury — it's just the best — but I'm going to have to make that the whole thing thanks to the new Unreal Highlighter, which I'm promptly adding to my arsenal. If you ask me, no one does a lit-from-within glow quite like Charlotte, but this takes things up a notch and makes me look the picture of health, even when I don't feel that way. Worn alone or over a dab of concealer here and there, it lends a dewy effect and instantly brightens my skin. Over makeup, it has a knack for pulling everything together and providing the perfect finishing touch. The iridescent particles are so fine that it simply looks like dew — as though you've dabbed a little gloss onto the skin — rather than appearing overly shiny or sparkly. I also love the balmy, silky texture, which is thanks in part to the 92% skincare-infused formula, including hydrating hyaluronic acid and moisturizing vitamin E." *— Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director*

**Charlotte Tilbury** Unreal Highlighter, $, available at Charlotte Tilbury

Khloe Kardashian XO Blue Eau de Parfum

"This was my first Khloé Kardashian fragrance, but now I know it won't be my last. Her newest scent, XO Blue, feels tailor-made for summer, with an amber floral blend of bergamot, magnolia, coconut, and cedarwood. It’s already my go-to until further notice. The coconut gives it a subtle beachy vibe, but it never veers into sunscreen territory or feels overly tropical. I'm also obsessed with the bottle, which looks like a giant blue topaz gemstone. Best of all, the fragrance has impressive staying power; I still catch soft traces of it on my clothes and hair hours after applying it." *— Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Beauty Writer*

**Khloé Kardashian** XO Blue Eau de Parfum, $, available at Ulta Beauty

Dôen Bea Dress

"It’s officially summer, and I just want to wear airy minidresses all the time. This Doen Bea dress is the best kind of throw-on-and-go piece for daytime hangs and dressy enough to style for dinner. It’s a classic silhouette that I’ll be wearing for many summers to come." *— Lisa Dionisio, Newsletter Director*

**Dôen** Bea Dress, $, available at Dôen

Free People Bobbi Pull-On Cargo Trousers

"Featured in Free People’s summer edit, these cargo pants have quickly become part of my summer wardrobe. I love the low-slung, relaxed, oversized fit, and especially that the ankles can be tightened for a barrel-leg silhouette. The many pockets are especially a plus, and the reason why I’ve worn these for all my recent summer travels, from flights to road trips." — *Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer*

**Free People** Bobbi Pull-On Cargo Trousers, $, available at Free People

MAC Viva Glam Lustreglass Lipstick In Roan Of Arc

"I'm a ride-or-die MAC lipstick girl, so when I heard Chappell Roan was the new face of Viva Glam (the makeup brand’s philanthropic arm, which benefits gender, racial, and environmental charitable causes), I knew we were in for something good. It doesn't hurt that 100% of proceeds from every Viva Glam purchase benefit the MAC Viva Glam Fund. The collection includes two lipsticks and a Lipglass, but the Lustreglass formula has quickly become my new favorite red lipstick. It's sheer with a subtle sheen, making it an incredibly wearable way to embrace a bold lip. I especially love the muted, deeper Roan Of Arc shade; —it feels less like a statement red and more like a kiss of color, since it’s not an opaque red. Like every MAC lipstick, the formula is buttery and creamy with that signature vanilla scent. While the rich crimson shade (a Chappell beauty signature) leans more fall than summer, I simply couldn't wait until cooler weather to start wearing it." *— Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Beauty Writer*

**MAC Cosmetics** Viva Glam Lustreglass Sheer‑Shine Lipstick, $, available at Nordstrom

e.l.f. Cosmetics Save Your e.l.f. hypochlorous Mist

"I'm really into hypochlorous acid spray after a dermatologist I met recently listed off its myriad benefits. It's antibacterial (you can spritz it directly onto skin or devices, like LED masks) making it a great option for acne-prone skin. It also helps soothe irritation, including itchiness, puffiness, and redness, and can support the skin's natural recovery process. I've been using another brand's spray after cleansing and before moisturizer (and even using it to clean my makeup brushes between uses), but e.l.f.'s new mist has caught my eye because the before-and-after photos were impressive, with reviewers reporting less redness and fewer breakouts." *— Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director*

**e.l.f. Cosmetics** Save Your e.l.f. hypochlorous Mist, $, available at e.l.f. Cosmetics

Medicube Booster Pro X2

"I experienced the lifting, hydration-boosting powers of Medicube's Booster Pro X2 at a recent masterclass, and I've been using it ever since — it's that good. I love the original device's red-light function for helping to minimize large, angry breakouts, but this one boasts even more light settings and modes, so I can do all of that while also giving my skin a temporary lift and helping shuttle my skincare ingredients deeper into the skin. I first used it over a sheet mask, and the gleam on my skin afterward stopped me in my tracks. The micro-vibrations help hydrating ingredients travel a little further into the skin than they would with your fingers alone, leaving everything looking plumper and more radiant. I noticed the biggest difference with the orange LED setting, which gives my facial muscles a serious workout. It's quite funny to watch your eyes and brows twitch, knowing the muscles are being stimulated. The result is firmer-looking skin and more definition around the face, even if the effects are only temporary." *— Jacqueline Kilikita, Beauty Director*

**Medicube** Booster Pro X2, $, available at Amazon

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I noticed there was something wrong with my hands on the first day of my honeymoon. Deep in the Okavango Delta, the scorching Botswanan sun slowly rising over the floodplains on our first game drive, all I could think about was the skin around my fingernails. Overnight, it had become bright red, flaky, and overwhelmingly itchy. I slathered my fingertips in the mini tube of hand cream I’d thrown in my carry-on, which did little to alleviate the problem.

By day five, my skin was so dry and irritated that deep cracks had started to form under my fingernails. The itching was relentless. The only mild respite came from doubling up on antihistamines (reader, don’t try this at home) and using my hands as infrequently as possible. Surprisingly difficult, even while sitting for long periods in a safari jeep.

I couldn’t work it out. I’d had my gel extensions infilled the day before my flight, as I’d been doing religiously at the same salon for the past four years. Surely it couldn’t be that? I thought. As soon as I landed back home, I booked a doctor’s appointment, desperate for answers. The (male) practitioner took one look at my hands and asked me if I bite my nails. “Yes, a terrible habit, I know”, I chuckled in embarrassment. I left with a prescription for hydrocortisone cream and his professional medical opinion: “Maybe you should stop biting your nails.”

My protests that, actually, I’d been biting my nails since before wi-fi became a thing, and this hadn’t happened before, were ignored. Hydrocortisone helped ease the symptoms, but the skin was still inflamed and itchy. After a few more unsuccessful trips to my doctor — where either my nail-biting was blamed, or I was told to “avoid nail treatments” — photos were sent to a dermatologist, who confirmed allergic contact dermatitis, a skin irritation that develops after exposure to a certain substance. I’m waiting for patch test results to confirm the exact allergen, but it’s more than likely to be 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), an acrylate used in gel nail enhancements.

The general dismissive attitude towards gel nail allergies reflects a broader pattern of medical misogyny, where women’s health issues around beauty treatments and aesthetics are often disregarded.

What causes a HEMA nail allergy?

Reactions typically occur when uncured gel polish comes into contact with the skin, which then develops a sensitization to the acrylate molecules. This can happen when gel is applied by unskilled hands, allowing product to flood the skin, or when the UV or LED lamp isn’t strong enough to cure the polish properly, leaving uncured acrylates behind.

Rani Ghosh, a registered toxicologist, says that the toxicology and dermatology communities have seen increasing reports of this over the past decade thanks to gel manicures and at-home nail kits. “An acrylate sensitization means the immune system has learned to recognize a substance as a threat and may react every time it encounters it in the future,” she says. Think medical or cosmetic procedures that contain acrylates, such as dental fillings, joint replacements, and the use of false lashes and hair extensions.

Where nails are concerned, Ghosh adds, “Symptoms can include itching, redness, swelling, blistering, peeling skin around the nails and fingertips, and sometimes nail changes.” It’s not just confined to nails, though. Reactions can also appear on the face or eyelids if allergens are transferred by touch, says Ghosh. If social media is anything to go by, I’m far from alone. TikTok is filled with people documenting their experiences of gel nail allergies, with lots developing contact dermatitis on their faces.

@louisegieke I was lowk rushing so idk if I forgot anything comment if yall have any questions 🤗 #contactdermatitis #gelallergy #gelawareness #gelsafety ♬ original sound – lou!!

It’s important to note that there’s nothing inherently wrong with acrylates as ingredients, and many of us will use gel products without issue. Joshua Zeichner, MD, professor of dermatology and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, says that those with a history of eczema or other allergic reactions may be more likely to experience this than others: “We cannot predict who will develop the sensitivity to gel nail ingredients,” he says, “but in some people, it can develop even when there are no other related conditions.”

The exact prevalence of gel nail allergies in the US is unknown, but concern is growing globally. In 2018, the British Association of Dermatologists warned that methacrylate allergies could affect at least 2.4% of people, urging caution with DIY gel kits and better salon training. The European Commission restricted HEMA-containing nail products to professional use in 2021. In 2023, the UK’s Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) launched an ongoing investigation into reports of lifelong acrylate allergies linked to uncured gel products, reiterating that all UK cosmetics must comply with strict safety laws and include ingredient lists to help consumers identify potential allergens.

While nails and nail art might seem frivolous to some, for others they’re closely tied to our confidence and sense of identity. Getting our nails done isn’t just a vanity practice; it’s a self-care ritual.

What’s behind the rise in HEMA allergies?

Fariha, 39, an LA-based nail artist and content creator behind @nailjob, says the highest increase in clients reporting gel allergies happened post-lockdown. “This was a result of people doing DIY gels at home, especially gel extensions,” she says. “Most gel extension products require a thorough curing cycle in a professional-grade LED lamp. When people use a low-power lamp or don’t place their hands in properly for full exposure, the gel remains uncured.” Fariha says that even small amounts of uncured gel could cause a flare-up.

Ren, 29, developed a reaction after using a specific brand of DIY UV glue on her left hand; on the right, she’d sculpted the nails using polygel. “The next morning, the skin on my left hand was red and itchy, then it started swelling. By day three, it started oozing this clear liquid. That’s when I was like, This is unmistakably an allergy.” Soon, the reaction spread to Ren’s right hand. She recalls, “I’ve been doing my nails at home for 15 years, and I don’t do anything without doing extensive research. I knew what the allergy was; I knew the risk, and I stupidly did it anyway. We all think, ‘It’s not going to happen to me.’”

@noracummins_ Finally cracked the case!! Gel nail allergy is no joke!!! #perioraledermatitis #dermatitis #buildergel #gelnails #gelallergy ♬ original sound – nora

Ren’s experience was, like mine, minimized by medical professionals. “I’m fortunate that I have a job which provides good health insurance, but for the majority of people in the US, allergy patch testing for acrylates isn’t covered,” she says. Ren adds, “The way that insurance companies see it — and the way even doctors see it — is, ‘Well, this is completely optional. You don’t have to get your nails done, so just stop.’”

It’s the same dismissive attitude I encountered with my doctor. But while the focus on nails and nail art might seem frivolous to some, for others they’re closely tied to our confidence and sense of identity. Getting our nails done isn’t just a vanity practice; it’s a self-care ritual. This makes giving it up entirely far more difficult than it sounds.

Both Ren’s primary care physician and dermatologist were unfamiliar with acrylate allergies. Ren believes this lack of awareness further prevents women from receiving adequate support. Eventually, she obtained patch testing through an allergist, though she says the process was poorly managed. “They knew what acrylates were, but they didn’t know how to test for them,” she tells me, adding, “I had to bring in my own document with all of the acrylates that I wanted to be tested for. It took months and I was just not taken seriously.”

If your symptoms are being dismissed by your doctor, Dr. Zeichner recommends seeking specialist advice. “Dermatologists are the skin experts,” he says. “If you have a rash that lasts more than one to two weeks and isn’t improving, either with an over-the-counter treatment or recommendation from your primary care doctor, seek the opinion of a board-certified dermatologist.”

But the general dismissive attitude towards gel nail allergies reflects a broader pattern of medical misogyny, where women’s health issues around beauty treatments and aesthetics are often disregarded. While the data is predominantly anecdotal at this stage, there is substantial research into the dismissal of women’s symptoms in mainstream healthcare, particularly for Black and brown women.

For 47-year-old beauty therapist Tamiah, developing a HEMA allergy was occupational. “I first noticed the symptoms in summer 2023,” she says. “I developed a rash on my right hand that I initially thought was bug bites. The doctor diagnosed me with eczema, and it was treated with an oral and topical steroid.”

I miss getting nail extensions and the confidence boost from a long, fresh, full set.

Shortly after, Tamiah went on her honeymoon. When she returned to work, so did her symptoms. “It took me a while before I realized the source was the new gel nail products I’d ordered online,” she says. “I never got the gel on my skin, but the reaction was from the dust while removing product from my client’s nails. I was overexposing myself to HEMA without realizing it.”

Fortunately, Tamiah’s experience was largely positive. “I’ve experienced medical gaslighting before, but now I’m fortunate to have a great primary care team and a dermatologist who is also a Black woman. This means she understands how specific conditions look on every skin tone and texture.”

For Fariha, education is the answer. “There is a general lack of awareness and dismissal surrounding nail health, or nail health issues being seen only as an ‘aesthetic concern’. There needs to be much more accessible and mandatory education regarding improper curing, the use of inadequate gel lamps, and other factors that can contribute to allergies.”

What are the best HEMA-free gel nail products?

Happily, Fariha has noticed an increase in professional-grade brands making efforts to remove HEMA and other potential allergens, including The GelBottle Inc, Halo, and Kiara Sky. But for many gel-allergic people, finding the nail routine that works for them takes trial and error. Nineteen-year-old Louise developed a gel allergy in her sophomore year of high school after visiting what she describes as a “chop shop”. She says, “My hands were covered in itchy blisters, and my arms and legs had hives all over them.” After plenty of research, Louise concluded that it was HEMA that triggered her reaction, and now she mainly wears press-ons. Most of the gel-allergic women I spoke to prefer press-ons as the safest, easiest, and most affordable way to bypass acrylates and UV lamps.

@louisegieke i hope this answers yalls questions 💗 #contactdermatitis #gelallergy #allergicreaction #diynails #fypシ ♬ original sound – lou!!

I’ve tried press-ons since developing my HEMA allergy, but I find they only last about five days, while regular polish chips quickly in comparison to gel. I also miss getting nail extensions, and the confidence boost from a long, fresh, full set. If patch test results do confirm a HEMA allergy, Lucy Kavrazoni of LK Nails & Beauty tells me I have another option, namely silk or fiberglass nail extensions, which are wraps bonded with resin or glue to create a strong yet gentle nail enhancement — but the service is hard to come by.

“Unlike gel polish, silk and fiberglass systems don’t rely on HEMA or similar methacrylate monomers for curing,” she says, adding, “Instead, the enhancements use a cyanoacrylate-based resin, which is rapidly set using an activator rather than being cured under a UV or LED lamp.” Kavrazoni continues that some people can, however, still be sensitive to cyanoacrylate: “With that in mind, it’s important to confirm the exact allergen with a patch test,” she says. Additionally, Dr. Zeichner recommends websites like skinsafe.com, which provide a database of ingredients to help people with sensitivities find products that might be better suited.

As a journalist who investigates beauty for work, I spent weeks researching HEMA-free nail options following my own life-changing reaction, and I was struck by how limited they still are. Until acrylate allergies — and the wider women’s health concerns linked to aesthetic treatments — are taken seriously by both medical professionals and the industry, progress will remain slow.

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Brow mapping, draping, lip blushing… It feels as though a buzzy new beauty term is coined every five minutes, and while I take most of them with a pinch of salt, a select few have eventually become de rigueur in my daily routine.

This July, I can’t get enough of “blonzing”, and unlike most fleeting beauty trends, this one is sticking around for summer. How do I know that? It’s earned the seal of approval from makeup artist and fashion week fixture, Fara Homidi.

What is blonzing?

The portmanteau is a blend of blushing and bronzing, which Homidi says mimics the look of an after-sun flush. But this isn’t the sunburned blush look that recently had TikTok’s makeup lovers in a chokehold; sun damage is never cute. Instead, think of blonzing as how your skin looks after catching the sun on vacation (responsibly, of course), then loading up on blush — concentrated across the nose and cheeks — before heading out to dinner. Neither the technique nor the term is especially new, but with a wave of hybrid products landing this summer, blonzing is having another moment.

You could simply double up on your bronzer and blush, but to take the guesswork out of nailing the right color combination for your skin tone, a handful of brands are unveiling dedicated “blonzers” — products that combine the toasty tones you’d typically associate with bronzer alongside the pink, red, and purple pigments you’d usually find in blush compacts.

What are the benefits of blonzing over bronzing?

Blonzing, without getting actual sun, is the new luxury, says Homidi. “Blonzing gives you that effortless look of having the luxury of spending endless days outside — perhaps on a beach somewhere tropical or riding a bike with your partner,” she tells me. “It’s the look of ‘nature-made’ makeup.”

Homidi says she never feels or looks as good as when she’s a little sun-kissed (“wearing sunblock, of course!”). And, considering sun safety is important, she sees blonzing as a risk-free way to fake it. Even if you’re a self-tan advocate, because we wash our faces more frequently, the color tends to fade quicker, so blonzing is an easy fix. Blonzing also lends makeup more dimension, rather than the flat, two-dimensional effect you can sometimes get with bronzer alone.

How do you blonze?

There are two ways to blonze. First, using the blush and bronzer you already have. Second, investing in a dedicated blonzer, like Homidi’s Essential Blonzer Compact.

“The best way to make your blush and bronzer look natural is to apply the bronzer first, in the areas the sun naturally hits, such as your forehead, outer parameters of the face, and chin,” says Homidi. Anything goes, whether it’s a cream or powder product — whatever your personal preference. The blush placement requires a slightly different approach: “Apply the blush on the inner parts of the face, high on your cheeks and nose, and connect them to the bronzer so you can’t see where one begins and the other ends,” she adds.

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A post shared by FARA HOMIDI (@farahomidibeauty)

Homidi’s number one makeup artist tip for a truly seamless, believable result is priming the brush — a technique you might have heard celebrity makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes praise on Instagram. “Priming the brush involves swirling the brush into the powder or cream and then buffing it into the palm of your hand to evenly disperse the product through the bristles before applying,” says Homidi. This makes application more controlled and intentional. She adds: “Then all you do is slowly build the intensity in layers on the face for a soft-focus finish,” rather than a blocky or streaky look.

The Essential Blonzer Compact makes light work of blonzing, and while it’s technically a pressed powder, it’s so lightweight it applies and blends as easily as a liquid or cream blush. I like to plunge a large brush, namely Charlotte Tilbury’s Bronzer & Blusher Brush, into the compact, tap off the excess, and dab it onto my cheeks, nose, chin, temples, and forehead until I’ve reached my desired saturation — which is a lot. What can I say, I have blush blindness.

Since blonzing, rather than applying either blush or bronzer, I’ve never received so many compliments on my makeup. People ask me if I’ve been away to the Mediterranean (I wish), and at a recent event, a beauty brand founder pulled me aside to ask if I’d had work done recently, which I’m sure is a testament to blonzing’s sculpting abilities.

What are the best makeup products for blonzing?

Homidi says that blonzed looks can be created with both cream and powder formulas. “My Essential Bronzer and Blonzer formulas are hybrid powder-to-creams, which melt into your skin but have the staying power of a powder — key in the summer heat,” she says. An expert in color theory, Homidi developed three real-to-life shades of both products to suit a wide range of complexions.

Besides Homidi’s Blonzer Compact, I’ve combined Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Matte Bronzer with the Beauty Highlighter Wand in deeper pink tones for sculpting and definition. If you’d rather not think about layering, I also love the Kosas Impressionist Multistick Cream Blush, which combines the earthy shades you’d typically associate with bronzer and the pink or red tones used in blush for a more uniform, sun-dappled look.

Lastly, a spritz of setting spray keeps everything under lock and key, whether you’re using cream or powder products. Try Make Up For Ever Mist & Fix 24HR Hydrating Setting Spray, which further boosts the radiance of a sun-warmed look.

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This may sound controversial, but I rarely take checked luggage on a trip. When there’s no other choice (like my semi-destination wedding and honeymoon, which spanned nearly a month), I worry if my bags will arrive where I’m headed. Even more eye-twitching is standing beside a conveyor belt as bags slowly roll on by. So, if there’s any way to not take a monster suitcase, I’m in.

Thanks to my mom, I consider myself a master packer, zipping, squishing, and folding everything into a handy carry-on suitcase and personal item (like my Calpak Ambeur and Luka Duffel). But it’s not an easy feat. Step one to conquering the art of packing light is having a well-rounded checklist. It takes strategy, splaying outfits across the bed and using your itinerary as a guide. Even more important? Reaching for versatile styles.

I work in fashion, so a minimalist, capsule wardrobe isn’t really my thing — I love colors, prints, and textures! But wearability doesn’t mean boring. Think a gingham one-piece that doubles as a bodysuit, or wearing a silk scarf as a belt or bandana. It takes creativity, but once you get it down, your packing will never be the same.

I’m taking my own advice as I jet-set off to the Dominican Republic, England, France, and a few stops within the United States. So, keep reading to up your summer travel game and shop my style essentials.

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Elevated Silk Scarves

Silk scarfs are undeniably chic, offering a touch of glamour to any look. Knotting it around your neck is the most common approach, but you can maximize its wearability by draping it over your bottoms like a flowing belt. I adore the flirty vibe it gives as a headband, bandana, bow, and bag charm. Depending on the dimensions of the scarf, you can even wear it as an open-back tube top.

Transitional One-Piece Swimsuits

A swimsuit is a vacation non-negotiable, but even if you prefer sultry two-pieces, I’d urge you to consider adding a one-piece to the lineup. While they’re perfect for beach days and poolside tanning, one-pieces double as bodysuits. Wear them with maxi skirts and kitten heels for an elevated rooftop happy hour, or style them with high-waisted shorts and casual sneakers for a day of sightseeing. Pro tip: Secure a swimmie with decorative details like twists, overlays, and snap closures to make the styling intentional.

Do-It-All Linen Button-Downs

Oversized linen button-downs are crucial in any well-rounded wardrobe — but they play an even more important role when jetsetting. I prefer an oversized silhouette, wearing it as a dress to the pool or tucked into shorts for a sleek finish. Billowy button-downs are also ideal for lounging, thanks to the easy throw-on-and-go style great for spa trips, gym sessions, and coffee-sipping.

Packable Woven Totes

Without fail, I take two bags on vacation: a compact, elevated style for evenings and — more importantly — a packable, woven tote. The flexible design keeps it from feeling bulky and stiff, making it simple to fold, store, and stash it. Take it to the beach, fill it with your makers’ market finds, and use it as your personal item on flights.

Comfortable, Chic Sandals

Polished sandals are a must, easily becoming your one-and-done vacation shoe for just about everything. Opting for a comfortable style with straps and contoured footbeds means you can wear them all day, ideal for long travel days, resort wandering, and café hopping. But don’t forget to choose a pair with elevated details to keep them feeling chic, allowing you to dress them up for dinners with sundresses and skirts.

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There are countless online sales to keep up with around the Fourth of July, but the annual Ulta Big Summer Beauty Sale occupies a special place in our hearts (and browser tabs). The three-week event, running from June 19 to July 11, is the perfect opportunity to score both summer beauty essentials and investment purchases at deeply discounted prices.

What we love about this sale is how it encompasses a wide array of brands across almost every product category, including makeup, skincare, fragrance, hair care, and various beauty tools. There are a handful of offers running throughout the sale period, as well as limited-time deals unveiled week-to-week, to keep our shopping senses tingling. (Plus, Ulta Beauty members can get an extra 20% off sitewide with code PRIMETIME from June 23 to June 26.)

Everything from Sol de Janeiro body mists to curly-hair essentials are now discounted at up to 40% off, making it the perfect time to restock your beauty cabinet ahead of the peak summer season. But with thousands of deals on Ulta’s sale page, there are a lot of products to sort through. Fear not: we have done the legwork for you and consolidated all the best products to cart up.

Read ahead to find out what goes on sale when, plus our editor-approved lineup of on-sale products.

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Buy one, get one 50% curl products

Pattern Leave-In Conditioner, $29

When: June 19 to July 11

Ulta’s BOGO curl deal is an easy way to stock up on everyday wash-day staples without breaking the bank. A few favorites worth getting excited about: Pattern’s Leave-In Conditioner, Isima’s Shakira-approved hydrating shampoos and conditioners, and Rizos Curls’ Defining Cream, all designed to support moisture, definition, and long-lasting curl shape without weighing hair down.

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40% off jumbo hair care

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Strengthening, Hydrating Hair Repair Shampoo, $58 $46.40

When: June 19 to July 11

Jumbo-sized hair care from the likes of Redken, Olaplex, and Amika will be marked down by up to 40%. Summer activities can do a number on the hair, which is why we’re eyeing Olaplex’s No.4 Shampoo, which gently cleanses via mild, coconut-derived surfactants while making hair shinier, and easier to manage with every wash. (That’s the brand’s signature patented molecule at work, which repairs broken disulfide bonds for stronger, healthier hair.) With such a hefty discount, now’s the moment to snag a bottle (or two).

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20% off Touchland

Touchland Power Mist Hydrating Hand Sanitizer, $10 $8

When: June 19 to July 4

With summer travel in full swing, now’s the perfect time to cart the essentials you’ll actually use. A 20%-off hand sanitizer is an easy add-to-cart, especially if you can snag it in your favorite scent. While you’re at it, toss in the brand’s hydrating Rosewater Glow Mist, which delivers a refreshing hit of moisture whenever your skin needs a pick-me-up, and finish with a scented body mist for a light-as-air fragrance refresh.

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40% off select Urban Decay

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil, $23 $13.80

When: June 19 to July 4

I’ve sworn by Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner pencils since high school, and somehow, they’re still among the most-reached-for products in my makeup bag all these years later. The creamy, waterproof formula glides on without tugging and stays put for hours, making it easy to see why they’ve earned cult-favorite status. While everything is 40% off, I’m stocking up on my everyday shades and a few fun pops of color, plus other Urban Decay icons like the 24/7 Eyeshadows, Moondust Eyeshadows, and All Nighter primers.

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$150 off SharkBeauty FlexStyle

Shark Beauty FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System Orchid Sunrise, $349.99 $199.99

When: June 19 to July 11

Shark Beauty has released some of the most impressive hair tools in recent years, delivering salon-worthy results at a much friendlier price than that other viral brand (which, yes, is also on sale). With $150 off, this is the lowest price I’ve seen on the Shark FlexStyle, making it the perfect time to finally take the plunge. The versatile multi-styler dries, curls, smooths, and volumizes with interchangeable attachments, making it an excellent entry point into the brand — and one of the best beauty deals of the sale.

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40% off select fragrances

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau de Parfum Glitter, $140 $80

When: June 19 to July 11

Select luxury scents are also 40% off throughout Ulta’s summer sale, including YSL’s iconic Black Opium, the addictive coffee-meets-white-floral fragrance now housed in a dazzling glitter-covered bottle. You’ll also find discounts on other designer favorites, including Armani My Way Intense and Armani Code, making it a great time to treat yourself or even get a head start on holiday gifting.

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Up to 40% off select makeup

Too Faced Damn Girl! 24-Hour Volumizing Mascara, $30 $21

When: June 19 to July 11

If you’re a fan of Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara, consider this your sign to give Damn Girl! a try. It delivers the same dramatic, lash-loving payoff with a whipped formula that builds impressive volume, lift, and curl for a dramatic, falsie-like effect. Beyond mascara, there are plenty of standout makeup deals to add to your cart, too, including the mini version of the internet-famous TIRTIR cushion compact, Nudestix’s SPF-infused blush, Lilly Lashes, and more.

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30% off Half Magic

Half Magic Glitterpuck Pressed Glitter for Eyes, Face + Body, $32.50 $22.75

When: June 19 to July 4

If you’ve ever wanted to recreate Euphoria-level sparkle, now’s your chance. Half Magic founder and Euphoria lead makeup artist Donni Davy told me she went through jars of this multiuse pressed glitter while filming season three: “It’s all over the body: butts, boobs — we used so much.” Even better, the entire Half Magic line (excluding the Euphoria collection) is 30% off through July 4, making it the perfect time to shop favorites like the brand’s eye paints, glitter pucks, and colorful liners.

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30% off select makeup

Tarte Sculpt Tape Contour, $36 $25.20

When: June 19 to July 4

Fake a few extra hours of sleep — or just naturally sculpted cheekbones — with Tarte’s Glow Tape and Sculpt Tape, both 30% off through the weekend. Glow Tape delivers an instant lit-from-within radiance thanks to its light-reflecting formula, while Sculpt Tape blends seamlessly for soft, believable definition that never looks muddy or streaky. I also love that Sculpt Tape comes in 13 shades, making it easier to find a contour that flatters a wide range of skin tones. If you’re more of a powder gal, DIBS’ bestselling baked bronzer and Laura Mercier’s blush-and-bronzer duo are also on sale.

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40% off select Sol de Janeiro

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 39 Hair & Body Perfume Mist, $26 $15.60

When: June 19 to July 11

This is not a drill: full-size Sol de Janeiro body mists — aka your new scent wardrobe for summer — are 40% off during Ulta’s Big Summer Sale. The lineup includes newer limited-edition drops like Cheeky Biquíni, Limonada Gelada, and Refresco Paraiso, each one leaning into the brand’s signature sun-soaked, gourmand-meets-tropical fragrance profile that basically smells like vacation in a bottle. If you’ve been hoping for a deal and finally want to try a new scent, this is your sign to do just that.

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Up to 45% off global beauty

Sekkisei Brightening Herbal Multi Gel Cream, $46 $36.80

When: June 19 to July 4

You don’t need an expensive flight to shop some of the best K- and J-beauty staples — Ulta’s got you covered. This Japanese drugstore favorite is a true sleeper hit, delivering lightweight yet deeply replenishing hydration in a cooling gel-cream texture that feels especially refreshing in the heat. Powered by brightening licorice extract, soothing mugwort, and antioxidant-rich angelica extract, it helps calm, hydrate, and visibly even skin tone over time without feeling heavy or greasy. Other IYKYK brands on sale include MISSHA, Decorté, and more, making this a great moment to sample several international beauty staples stateside.

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30% off select hair tools

Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-styler and Dryer Straight+Wavy Hair, $649.99 $519.99

When: June 19 to July 4

If you’ve been coveting a Dyson Airwrap for years, this might finally be your moment to splurge. The Airwrap i.d. — Dyson’s heat-sensing, tech-forward take on its cult-favorite multi-styler — is 20% off, bringing the price down to $519.99. Designed to style without extreme heat, it uses intelligent temperature control and various attachments to dry, curl, smooth, and volumize with minimal damage. Also included in the broader hair tool deals are Bio Ionic’s Long Barrel Curling Iron, BaByliss PRO’s Styling Iron, and ghd’s Chronos Flatiron — all solid picks if you’re upgrading your hot tools lineup this summer.

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Cancer season is asking you to embody radical self-trust by accessing your inner navigational system, your intuition. One of the many ways intuition communicates to us is through our bodies and our emotions, so while it might be scary, it is time for you to stop treating your emotions like obstacles to avoid and start acknowledging them as valuable information.

Feelings are not fruitless noise. They're vital data. Information that your body has access to that can guide you. But you've been trained to override them, ignore them, to logic your way past them, or to treat sensitivity like a flaw instead of a feature.

This month, we reverse that. Allow Cancer season to help you follow your heart’s guidance, and when Leo season arrives midway through July, allow it to amplify the courage required to actually follow what your heart is telling you, to put yourself on the pedestal instead of others.

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