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We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Because we tried them for you in May.
The serum is plant-based, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and synthetic fragrance–free.
"Overall, this serum delivers on its promises. Initially, I was off-put by the very earthy smell. It has since grown on me, but be prepared for that. The serum itself is very lightweight (the scent doesn't linger on your skin especially if you're topping it off with other serums or moisturizers), absorbs super quickly, and is very moisturizing. In the last month-ish I've been using it some lingering hyperpigmentation on my chin and nose from past pimples has cleared up and, dare I say, my chronic dark circles are slightly less dark (Thank you, Vitamin C). This product is a slow burn — give it ample chance to work its magic and I think you'll be pleased with the results!" —Danielle Healy
Get it from Onekind for $44.
Ideal Bookshelf is a woman-owned small business based in Maui, Hawaii.
"When my two loves (books and coffee, of course) meet, it's always a beautifully magical thing. I love that I have so many of the books featured on this mug. Humble brag, I know. And as a Black woman writer myself, it's inspiring to be able to hold so many Black women authors in my hands at the same time! Plus, the colors are super vibrant, making the covers look super realistic. And they are. Because the book covers displayed are exact replicas of the *actual* books themselves! Burnt coffee never tasted better. Yes, I burn my coffee sometimes." —Taylor Steele
Get it from Ideal Bookshelf for $18.
"Back when we worked in an office, we occasionally had chocolate-covered almonds available. Missing my fave midday treat, I recently grabbed a bag of Skinnydipped almonds from the impulse section of the grocery store. I kinda wish I hadn't because now I'm completely dependent on them. It takes some serious self-control not to just dump the entire bag directly into my mouth. They're a tad pricey (hence the self-control) but they are WORTH IT. As the name suggests, these sea salt-covered almonds have a very thin layer of chocolate and are then lightly dusted with cocoa, peanut butter, or lemon, depending on the flavor. The result is a salty-sweet delight that'll have you coming back for more (and then some more). My favorite is the peanut butter flavor, which tastes like a more refined Reese's cup. You can get a single bag at Target or a variety pack from Amazon, the latter of which is recommended because you won't wanna share." —Bek O'Connell
Get the Chocolate Peanut Butter Almonds from Target for $4.99 or the five-flavor variety pack from Amazon for $24.99.
Sheets are so difficult to buy — they're an investment, and what we're each looking for feel-wise is super different, especially when it comes to linen. But I'm here to tell you that these are a fantastic buy, and one that you'll be stoked on when it comes to both look and feel. To start off, Bed Threads color selection is hands-down the best in the game. I feel 100% confident that you can find *just* the look you're going for, and each rich color will only look better when it's depth is in front of you irl in chicly rumpled sheet form. But most importantly, the feel of these sheets is fantastic. They definitely have that slightly grippy linen feel, which I like in small doses — that feel is getting more and more tuned in with each wash as they soften a bit.
The two tropes about linen sheets you hear again and again are: 1) they're cool in the summer and warm in the winter and 2) they get softer with each wash. And sorry, but it's really true! If you've been thinking about investing in a set of linen sheets, these are a great selection, as they're pretty much the Platonic ideal. Soft but not *so* soft they don't feel like linen. Breezy yet snuggle-able in the heat. And they just look so damn good. Totally recommend.
Get them from Bed Threads for $220+ (available in twin–California king sizes and 22 colors).
"After putting this skirt in tons of posts, I finally caved and ordered one for myself. Reviewers love this skirt and for a reason — it really does live up to the hype! I paired it with a high-neck tank, a denim jacket, and sneakers and felt super cute when wearing it to my best friend's baby shower. I love that there aren't any buttons or drawstrings, you just pull this baby on and feel like royalty. The pleats are adorable, the ruched waist is fun, AND it has pockets!!! I'm literally going to place an order for another one as soon as I can decide between the green and the pink. Screw it, maybe I'll just get both." —Heather Braga
Get it from Amazon for $29.89 (available in sizes S–XXL and eight colors).
"As someone who isn't a big fan of false lashes (the glue irritates my eyes and I'm terrible at applying them) this budget-friendly holy grail does the trick for both lengthening and volumizing my lashes. After you've given it a minute to dry, it lasts all day long and doesn't smudge or fade. It seriously gives the effect of false lashes, without the discomfort." —Kayla Boyd
Get it from Amazon for $4.99.
For more info and review pics, check out Kayla's full Essence Lash Princess Mascara review! You can also check out her review of the mascara on TikTok!
"I bought my first pair of Birks in the spring of either 2016 or 2017, and haven't looked back since. I now have two pairs — the second I got in 2019 — and while the first at this point needs one of its bottom soles replaced, they're both otherwise in excellent condition, which is remarkable considering I literally go back and forth between them and my Rothy's almost exclusively anytime the weather is above 70 degrees. (Also remarkable: you can legit get them repaired! You'd just have to find a certified repair center near you, using the brand's handy map.)
I've taken them to Mexico City and Italy along with all the time I spend wearing them in NYC, and on both walking-heavy trips, they kept my feet consistently comfy and blister-free. The secret's twofold: their cork-blend bottoms, which are made for all of our Goldilocks feet (not too cushiony, not too hard, but juuuuust right) and their leather straps that are soft where they meet your feet, so even if you have rose gold shininess on the top, you only have soft, non-blistering leather touching your skin. Their support is the only thing that helps keep my plantar fasciitis under control (I also own a pair of their arch supports, which I often wear with my Rothy's), and I've been known to wear 'em around the house in the winter for precisely this reason. " —Natalie Brown
Get them from Nordstrom, Zappos, or Free People for $79.95+ (available in sizes 35-46 and multiple colors and styles). All three retailers also have a waterproof version available, too, if that's something you're interested in! (FYI, the brand doesn't sell on Amazon).
The scrub is vegan, as well as phthalate-, sulfate-, paraben-, and silicone-free.
"I'm a longtime fan of Jen Atkin and her brand Ouai (their wave spray is one of my holy grail hair products), so it's no surprise upon receiving this I wanted to test it out right away. I'm a little hesitant to put a scrub in my hair so I'll get back to you on that, but as a body scrub this St Bart's-inspired product is a 10/10. The description says it has notes of dragon fruit, tuberose and orange blossom in it, but IMO it just spells like an expensive tropical vacation — which sounds amazing right about now. Unfortunately the closest I'm going to get to that is this delicious-smelling product. The texture is nice (not too rough) and lathered up really well while still doing a great job at exfoliating the dry skin off of my legs. It's also made with coconut oil that left my skin feeling extra smooth and nourished. Essentially, it's turned my post-workout shower into a spa-like retreat and I couldn't be happier." —Heather Braga
Get it from Sephora for $38.
For more on blue light, check out Pixel's info page about it.
"I have horrible eyesight and it’s definitely my fault because I pretended my eyes were bad in the second grade so that I could get these really cool Looney Tunes glasses. Anyway, now I have a job where I am on my computer all day and I’ve been terrified of my eyesight getting worse. Blue light blockers make me feel a little better, and these ones are *actually* cute. I have a few pairs from another companies too, but the style options from Pixel actually just look like cute, everyday glasses, so I love wearing them. I was also super psyched when I found out that they have stronger lens options for people like me who stare at screens all day and, let’s be real, into the night as well. I put those extra strength babies on when I know it’s going to be an extra long day of replying to emails and sending messages on my computer for hours on end. All in all I think these glasses are the best blue light blockers I’ve ever had, and I can’t stop emphasizing how damn cute they are!!!" —Anna Kopsky
Get them from Pixel starting at $75.
V. Coterie is a woman-owned small business based in Tulsa, Oklahoma selling accessories that celebrate medical professionals.
"I was gifted one of these and am obsessed with it for multiple reasons. I love that it subtly pays tribute to my struggles with my mental health (as well as how far I've come!), as it's shaped, quite literally, like an antidepressant pill. However, that's only apparent if you look closely — otherwise it's just a cute smiley face! It layers really nicely with the other dainty gold necklaces I already own which is an added bonus." —Heather Braga
Get it from V. Coterie for $78.
To clean these, just machine wash them on cold and let them air dry.
"Ever since the pandemic started, I've been a slipper snob. What's funny is I actually never really owned any pairs of slippers before working remotely and now I don't know how I've ever lived without them. These ones from Acorn are so lightweight and are great if you have tile or hardwood floors. They don't slip and keep my feet warm without making them sweat. They also look cute on so I have no complaints about these. If you want to feel like you're living the lap of self-care luxury while simultaneously walking on clouds, then do yourself a favor and snag a pair of these." — Ali Faccenda
Get them from Acorn for $55 (available in sizes S–XL).
"I have a lot of plants which means lots of dirt. Add the fact that several of my bed linens shed and my hair is falling out (stress), and you can probably imagine how often I have to clean my floor. Going back and forth from the pantry to grab my cord vacuum got old. This vacuum is more futuristic than anything I've ever owned, and was shockingly easy to assemble. It is slim enough to fit in my tiny NYC-sized closet, quiet, and has a long-lasting battery. I think I've charged it once in the month I've had it. Mind you, I use this thing twice a day to touch up my room. Yes, it's an investment but it comes with a great warranty. All my encounters with Dyson's customer service have been pleasant and helpful. Did I mention it's really light and easy to maneuver in tight spaces?" —Christine Forbes
Get it from Dyson for $899.99.