Shopping·6 min read

What Our Editors Were Obsessed With in July

editor-obsessions-july-2023
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Mario Badescu, Baggu, Etsy
August 7, 2023

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

We’ll admit it: One major perk of our job as editors is that we get to try out tons of products to let you know if they’re truly worth your hard-earned money. So in the nature of tossing gatekeeping to the curb, we’re sharing a few standout faves from the past month that we usually reserve for the group chat. Because they really are that good (and we’ll be super sad if they sell out and we can’t get them anymore). Without further ado…

serum
Mario Badescu

A serum we love to stash in our bag...

I'm always fighting dry skin on my nose, even in the summer. This hydrating serum is a lifesaver when it comes to ridding my face of flakes, especially before applying makeup. If I notice some dry patches developing on my nose or around my mouth during the day, I can use this for quick touch-ups. It absorbs quickly and doesn't have a scent. –Alexandra Napoli ($30, Mario Badescu)

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wine-glasses
Made In

A set of red wine glasses that are the hit of the party...

I love hosting people at my apartment, especially for a small dinner party. One item on a table that flies under the radar but makes a huge difference is good glassware. These Made In glasses automatically upgrade my tablescape to the point that even beer drinkers comment on them. Bonus points for them being dishwasher-safe, despite feeling incredibly delicate. –Abby Drozd ($159, Made In)

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necklace
Goldstories

A necklace you'll wear for years to come...

One thing about me: I'm always on the hunt for the newest addition to my jewelry collection. This pendant from Goldstories is an investment, but I promise it's one you'll keep on rotation forever. It's made from recycled gold and has the cutest pink sapphire in the middle. Plus, it comes paired with the brand's Rolo Chain that's good enough to wear on its own. Psst...use code SKIMM15 for 15% off. –Beck Diaz ($850, Goldstories)

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tablet
Amazon

A tablet that changed the game for us...

I'm not someone who uses a tablet all the time at home, so I've never wanted to spend the money on an iPad. I got the smallest Fire tablet, and it's perfect for travel and watching movies and TV on the go. It's so light and fits in my purse, so now I take it everywhere. –Jessica Kelly ($59.99, Amazon)

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grapes
Etsy

A retro home decor item we can't stop talking about...

I moved into an apartment of my own and immediately became more interested in the design stores I hated going in with my mom as a kid. So when I saw a set of glass grapes in Slate Interiors in Charlotte, I knew I had to have them. A quick Etsy search told me glass grapes are in fact a Thing. They're so retro (they should be, they're from the '60s) and remind me of "New Girl" (real ones know). They come in all sorts of sizes and colors and bring me real joy every day. –Martha Upton (Prices vary, Etsy)

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bag
Baggu

A bag that has us raking in the compliments...

My cousin pressured me into buying this bag on a whim, and since then it’s been my go-to bag of the summer. It’s made of nylon so it wipes clean and packs easily. When I tell you it holds pretty much everything…it does. I’m kind of over the belt bag trend, and this feels like the best casual swap that’s a little more elevated. It has a secure zippered top and a couple internal pockets, and I get compliments on it by baristas pretty much every day. Plus, the fact that it’s under $50 makes me want to buy another color (or two). –Margo Ghertner ($44, Baggu)

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blush
Ulta

An extremely affordable cream blush...

I’m a firm believer that there is no such thing as wearing too much (properly blended) cream blush. This one from Undone Beauty is a recent addition to my lineup, and it’s seriously impressive. It has a cooling, watery texture that’s unlike anything I’ve felt before — it feels so refreshing on dull, tired skin and blends in seamlessly. I also love that the finish is dewy, not shimmery, so it actually looks natural. It’s the perfect summer sunburnt blush. In winter, I’ll be pairing it with an icy highlighter for a cute cold girl makeup look. Can’t beat that $10 price tag, either. –Caroline Goldstein ($10, Ulta)

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air-purifier
Amazon

An air purifier for breathing easy...

With the recent wildfires, I decided to invest in an air purifier for my apartment. I had also been thinking about getting one since I have a cat and I heard it could help keep the air clear of pet dander. This one does not disappoint. Though it’s relatively compact (perfect for a small apartment), it gives me peace of mind that I’m breathing in cleaner air. I like that it has a few different settings like "sleep," so it's not blasting at full speed all hours of the day. –Celia Skvaril ($48.99, Amazon)

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