In addition to being the hottest month of the year in most areas of the U.S., July is arguably one of the busiest for our social calendars. While the months of November and December are reserved for holiday plans, July is more about surviving heat waves, making beach trips more bearable and trying to remember all of the weddings, barbecues and other commitments we have.
At NBC Selected we manage to do all of the above, while also squeezing in enough time to try and buy our fair share of new products (including classics that are just new to us). In July, we tested products like sunglasses that are safe for sensitive eyes, hydrating SPF face mists, a girls’ trip-ready beach tote and flats perfect for frequent walkers. Some of the brands we sought out include Adidas, Rothy’s, Away, and Tower 28. Below, my colleagues and I talk about everything we loved and what’s worth buying.
The best products we tried in July 2026
All of the products below are either courtesy samples from the brand for testing purposes or products that we bought ourselves.
Now that I’m in my thirties, I have a strong appreciation for “less is more” beauty products, especially when it comes to the things I use in the shower. Tower 28 sent a sample of their SOS Rescue + Relief Body Wash, which is derm-approved, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, for me to test. I was surprised to find that the body was extremely gentle on my skin.
Though the consistency took me a moment to get used to (it felt like a gel cleanser to me), I did find that my skin was much calmer and less itchy after each use. I was actually pretty devastated to run out of this body wash and will be buying a bottle ASAP.
I’ve had numerous people rave about Rothy’s shoes over the years, but it wasn’t until I tried a pair myself that I really believed the hype. The brand sent over a few pairs of their Mary Janes for me to try, but I instantly fell in love with the Max Square version in the color Cream Raffia-Knit, which I consider the perfect summer shoe).
To put them to the test, I walked more than 26 miles on a two-week trip to Europe and was surprised that they were incredibly comfortable to wear around all day and they didn’t cut the back of my heels or leave unsightly blisters. The only thing I wish I’d done differently was wear a pair of thin no-show socks as the knit material can feel scratchy after a full day of wear. Aside from that, I’ve been 100% convinced these are the most comfortable flats ever.
As someone who is admittedly a bit self-conscious about wearing tank tops, I didn’t expect for this cropped athletic shirt to become one of my most worn items of the summer. Designed with a body-skimming cropped fit, the shirt hits perfectly at my natural waistline and is super flattering, even in the armpit area, which is the place I’m most concerned about. I recently wore the tank on a hiking trip in Utah and, not only did the built-in shelf bra stay put during the 3-mile trek, but you couldn’t see the literal buckets of sweat dripping off of me. It’s a 10 out of 10 and I will be buying it in more colors immediately.
I got this mesh tote from Away to test it out right before a girls’ trip to Panama and it did not fail me. First of all, it folded so perfectly in my overstuffed carry-on luggage, then it proved itself to be a much-needed item for the trip. When we took a beach excursion, it was exactly what I needed to hold all of my (and my sisters’) stuff — towels, water shoes, sunscreen, hats and scarves; you name it, we brought it. My favorite part is the hidden inner pocket where I stashed my passport and cash.
I’ve since used it for a beach day, a layout in Central Park, and a day of errands at the flower and fruit markets. I also love the bright yellow, which even as a New Yorker, I can get behind for summer.
It was time for me to get a new toothbrush and I wanted something that would be just as powerful as (or more than) my last electric toothbrush but I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. I grabbed this on sale just after Amazon Prime Day, and after using it for almost a month I can confidently say that I got a steal of a deal. . The sonic vibration is strong without being harsh on my gums or enamel. My teeth feel really clean after I use it, and they look whiter than they have in weeks (I have been hitting the black coffee and red wine hard lately). The brush has four modes, including whitening and massage, and after 29 days of use I haven’t had to charge it yet.
If you know me then you know how much I talk about Naked Sundays sunscreen and how much I love pretty much everything this brand has put on the market. So when they had a sale it was time for me to grab a few of my favorites, including the Hydrating Glow Mist and the Cabana Clear SPF 50 Water Gel Serum. (The brand threw in the UV Hair Protectant Mist as a bonus). This mist is so fine and gentle, you might wonder if it’s even hitting your face at times. It makes it easy to reapply sunscreen after you’ve put on makeup without ruining your look. It’s one of my go-tos for scalp sunscreen in the summer when I buzz my hair and need UV protection for my head. It’s never greasy or oily, never heavy, never clogs my pores and always smells nice.
Ardell is my OG brand for easy-to-apply eyelashes. I started with magnetic falsies and now I’ve graduated to press-ons like these. This is the perfect pack for travel since it’s compact but still has enough lashes for several days — they’re reusable too, so this really lasts. I like that this set of 30 gives you several different length options, so you can go as natural or dramatic as you want, or you can go shorter in the corners and go longer on the ends. They take minutes to apply and don’t involve messy glues or brushes.
I’ve been getting lots of compliments on my “glow” and I know it has something to do with this cream, which actually looks and feels more like a gel. It’s a blend of retinal and panthenol that feels quite gentle but has given me the results of a supercharged exfoliant. I’ve been applying it nightly for almost six weeks and my skin has never been smoother and brighter. What prompted me to purchase it was noticing how dry and bumpy my face was starting to look because of lap swimming and spending time outdoors through multiple heat waves. I feel like I’ve got my groove back.
I’ve got Bluetooth fatigue. I’m tired of constantly pairing earbuds and having to recharge them. Wired headphones are foolproof and don’t require instructions or an app to use. The $19 price tag doesn’t hurt either.
I certainly don’t need it but come on, how adorable is this? My local Costco is selling a 10-pack set of this mini tote which they have conveniently displayed near the store entrance where you can’t miss it. For now, I’m using them to gather random small items that I’ll organize later.
I have light green eyes that are very sensitive to the sun, so I need to wear sunglasses every time I step outside, especially during the summer. I have a pair from Moscot that I love, but I keep them in my everyday bag and I always forget to put them in my work bag when I’m commuting. When I was looking for a pair to keep in my work bag, Quay offered to send me one of its styles. I went on the brand’s website and virtually tried on a bunch, ultimately settling on the Recap.
I’ve been wearing them for about a month and I’m obsessed with them. They block out just the right amount of light to protect my eyes, look great with every outfit, are so comfortable to wear for hours and never slip off my face. They come with a soft protective case and a lens cloth that come in handy, too.
I do all of my long runs in Bandit’s race crops because they support my chest for miles and have tons of storage for my essentials. I recently tried a new style, the Vanisher V-Neck style, after the brand sent me a top, and it lived up to my high expectations during a half marathon. Its numerous pockets fit three packs of applesauce (which I use instead of gels), a little Ziplock filled with electrolyte chews, my phone, a key and an extra hair tie.
The pockets keep everything securely in place while I’m running with little bounce, and when I needed something, I was able to quickly grab it while moving. The fabric also didn’t cause chafing despite how hot and sweaty I got by the end of my run. I’m looking forward to wearing this race crop again and highly recommend it for long-distance runners whether you race or not.
I had a pair of black Adidas VL Court Bold Platform sneakers from 2024 to 2025 that I wore into the ground — by the time I got rid of them this past December, the outsoles were almost completely gone. I wanted a new pair in the Natural/White/Gum color, and Famous Footwear saved the day when I couldn’t find them anywhere in my size (they sent me a sample pair).
I wear these sneakers literally everywhere with any outfit because they’re so comfortable and supportive. I often joke that I walk the length of Manhattan every day, and whether I log 10,000 or 25,000 steps, I know these sneakers will keep my feet happy. I love the little extra height the platform gives me, too — I can’t stand the way super flat shoes look or feel on me, so these sneakers are exactly what I look for in terms of function and fashion.
One of the biggest mistakes I made as a new dog mom last year was buying an expensive harness. It gets dirty and stained, it starts breaking down, it gets lost at daycare — I learned the hard way that you’re going to have to replace it eventually. When I needed to get a new harness for my 1-year-old mutt Mabel this month, I did research into popular, budget-friendly options. This $14 one from Voyager came highly recommended by dog parents on social media, and now, Mabel and I are big fans, too. It’s so easy to get on and off her with the three buckles, and it’s adjustable so I can perfectly fit it to her body. I also appreciate that it offers a lot of neck and chest coverage with soft, breathable fabric — Mabel is almost totally hairless in that area, so finding something extra gentle was important. When this harness inevitably gets destroyed after a lot of use, I won’t hesitate to buy a new one since it’s less than $20.
Numerous dieticians, nutritionists and sports medicine doctors I’ve interviewed recommend Thorne’s supplements, so I thought it was about time I tried its plant-based protein powder. The brand sent me a container this month and I’ve been using it to make smoothies a couple times a week — it’s usually the only thing I can stomach after a long run. The powder blends into my smoothie without giving it a chalky texture, and it has enough of a vanilla flavor that I taste it, but it’s not overpowering at all. Each serving (two scoops) has 22 grams of protein, which keeps me full for a few hours. I find it to be ideal for recovery after a tough workout.
Caitlin Cusack, associate social media editor
This is the first set of cooling sheets I’ve tried, but I can say I’m officially a convert. As a hot sleeper, I’m used to waking up covered in sweat, and after using these for 2 weeks, I haven’t woken up sweating once — even on the 90+ degree nights we’ve had recently in New York. These sheets are so soft, so comfortable and genuinely feel cool to the touch. The material is silky and stretchy, so even the fitted sheet was easy to put on and take off my bed, which also has a mattress topper.
Jem Alabi, editorial operations associate
I use the Candy shade of this powder, which is a sheer pink that brightens under my eyes while also giving me a flush that stays consistently natural-looking throughout the day. A little goes a long way with this one and I love that it works for any skin tone (you can even use it by itself to control shine) and is specifically beneficial for sensitive skin.
I use a mini-puff or loose brush to apply the powder and I instantly get a blurring effect that doesn’t pill or accentuate my fine lines and pores.
The matte finish this balm gives has been very appreciated during this hot July. I use it interchangeably as a primer and foundation. If you have oily, sweat-prone or combination skin like me, this balm should be a foundational part of your makeup routine. The hyaluronic acid ensures that my skin never dries out. I recommend pairing the balm with the L’Oréal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist or the One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
I plan on buying the universal translucent shade of the blurring balm to test for a more natural makeup look and will be sure to keep our NBC Selected readers posted on my findings.
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Why trust NBC Selected?
I’m a commerce editor at NBC Selected, where I write about deals and sale events, product roundups, reviews, brand guides and more. The NBC Selected staff and I test products monthly, including complimentary testing samples from brands and products we purchase ourselves with our own money. Every month we share the ones we loved the most and how those items made our lives easier, or sparked joy in our day.
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