Over the past few weeks, R29 editors (aka your trusty stewards of all things online shopping) have been hard at work covering a litany of sales taking place. The fruit of our selective hauls? The following under-£100 items that the R29 shopping team bought and loved during the collective months of May, June and July. (Why £100, you may ask? The number marks a certain sweet spot between high quality and affordable; as much as the siren song of fast fashion can be tempting, we tend to believe that investing in better, fewer products is always a smart choice in the long run.)
Since our shopping lists were filled with everything from fashion to beauty to home, our monthly batch of favourites has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the market for heatwave-proof matching sets or scented dryer sheets, scope and shop the below products that our editors simply couldn’t keep to themselves. Buyer’s remorse? Never heard of her.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
FP Movement Varsity Blues Shorts, £28
“I don’t think I’ve refreshed my activewear wardrobe since my days of being a tennis player in uni, so I thought at 34 years old, the time is now. I picked up these running shorts from FP Movement and was pleasantly surprised by the fit and functionality. The waistband is substantial, comfortable, but not too wide and the length is just right on my 5’1” frame. To my surprise the shorts even include built-in briefs and a pocket in the back to hold a key, a credit card, ID or some cash. The shorts also come in 11 colourways and a few patterned options, so there’s bound to be an option that works for anyone’s summer wardrobe preferences.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
FP Movement Varsity Blues Shorts, $, available at Free People
Dedcool Dryer Sheets Xtra Milk, £11
“Being in your 30s means getting excited over things like dryer sheets — and I love that for me. These Dedcool dryer sheets (they make detergent — aka dedtergent — too) not only eliminate static from my fresh load of laundry but leave them gently scented. I’m obsessed with the Xtra Milk pack, which is a warm, skin-like blend of amber, bergamot and white musk. It doesn’t smell like you doused your clothes in perfume, which I mean wholeheartedly as a compliment; you just smell really, really good.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
DedCool Dryer Sheets Xtra Milk, $, available at Revolve
Wondery Outdoors Ephedra Trail Skort, £58
“I recently went on a very outdoorsy holiday in tropical weather where we did a LOT of hiking in the heat, so I didn’t necessarily want to wear pants. I love this Trail Skort, which is made of a lightweight, quick-drying nylon fabric and sweat-wicking nylon spandex blend bike short because it’s very stylish, has great coverage, and has ample pockets for your necessities. I also wore this skirt to a pool party and found it super practical. didn’t have to lug around a huge bag and could just squish the essentials in the pockets and not feel gross sitting on the train in a crochet dress.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Wondery Outdoors Ephedra Trail Skort, $, available at Wondery Outdoors
AKT London The Starter Set, £32 £25
“I’ve done it: I’ve finally found a natural deodorant that really, really works and doesn’t leave stains. Truly, once I’ve applied a pea sized blob of this cream to my underarms, I haven’t caught a whiff of BO for hours and have sweated far less than with other deodorants, natural and not. And I mean hours, even on the hottest of days; even dancing non-stop at music concerts and festivals. The way AKT London does this is by neutralising the bacteria on your skin and balancing the pH of your skin using zinc oxide and sodium bicarbonate. This is because sweat on its own is odourless — it only starts to smell when it interacts with the bacteria on your skin.
“Added to this is a host of skincare ingredients (vitamin E, shea butter and calendula oil) for soothing and hydrating post-shaving irritation, and an array of natural botanicals and essential oils, creating enticing scents that rival my perfume collection. My favourite has been Orange Grove, a heady, summery blend of petitgrain, mandarin and neroli.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
AKT London The Starter Set, $, available at AKT London
Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs, £19.95
“These noise reduction earbuds have been such a lifesaver. The soft silicone material drowns out loud noises without making my ears uncomfortable, and they have been so helpful when I am trying to fall asleep with distracting noises around. Since the case is so compact, I attach it to my keychain and pop the earbuds in whenever I need a bit more peace and quiet, like if there is a crying baby near me or when it gets too loud on the Tube.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs, $, available at Loop
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Tanning Water, £12.20
“I constantly reapply sunscreen during the summer; I’m petrified of tan lines and especially sunburns (which, as we know, are never worth the risk). However, I also want to look tanned and sunkissed (minus the irreversible sun damage)! So I was thrilled when I tried Sally Hansen’s leg tanning water. Tanning lotions never seem to really create a noticeable, long-lasting tan on my skin, but this spray genuinely does, all while looking natural. This tanning water is specifically intended to use on your legs, but I use it all over my body, from my neck down to the top of my feet right after I shower. While I don’t see an immediate change, when I wake up the next morning, it’s super noticeable; £12 well spent!” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Fashion Writer
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Tanning Water, $, available at Notino
Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt, £48
“I am a frequent wearer of t-shirts in all weather but had yet to try Skims’ viral shirts and I am so glad I finally gave in and reviewed it with my fellow editors. I get the hype now. The shirt is literally buttery soft, it is so flattering on my body as it’s tight but not too tight, and hits at just the perfect length on my unusually longer torso. This shirt will be a staple year-round.” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Skims Cotton Jersey T-Shirt, $, available at Skims
Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector, £19
“I’m no Luddite, but I think there’s a strong argument to be made for the superiority of #cordedlife over the wireless earbuds craze. After years of relying on my AirPods, I finally caved last month and added these to an Amazon haul. After the first use, I have to say that it’s almost enough for me to stop using my AirPods forever. The pros are endless: I don’t have to charge these, they work as soon as I plug ‘em in (no connectivity issues or awkward “can you hear me”?), you can share one end with a bestie to jam out together, and of course, look like the retro queen you are while listening to your favourite podcast or album. (Also, the mic on these is better for calls than the AirPods Pros — there, I said it!) At under £20, these are worth it alone as a backup if you forgot to charge your wireless headphones — but honestly, the nostalgia factor alone is worth it for me. (Remember those 2000s iPod ads with the dancing silhouette? It’s giving that.)” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector, $, available at Amazon
Nordstrom Poplin Button-Up Shirt, £83.66 & Pull-On Poplin Shorts, £58.19
“Matching sets are my go-to outfit formula in the summer when it’s too hot to think about what to wear, thanks to the way they make you look instantly put-together without trying. While they don’t come together, and are over £100 if both are bought, I just had to include this Nordstrom shirt and matching shorts for just how often they’ve been in my rotation (they also come in plus sizes, fyi). The stripe print and the colorway embody the “European Summer” aesthetic that’s trending right now, while the oversized fit makes the look versatile enough to go from beach holiday (when worn with a bikini and flat sandals or sneakers) to weekend brunch in the city (with platforms or heeled sandals).” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Nordstrom Poplin Button-Up Shirt, $, available at Nordstrom
Nordstrom Pull-On Poplin Shorts, $, available at Nordstrom
14 Day Manicure Gentle Gels Polish Starter Kit, £153 £67
“Technically, whilst on sale, this at-home gel manicure kit is well under the £100 budget. It has truly been my MVP for several months now — and especially this month, when Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour finally made its way to the UK. Rather than shell out on a spenny professional appointment, I treated myself to an array of the brand’s brightest, boldest and sparkliest shades in, of course, the colours of each Taylor Swift album and they truly did last the full 14 days; even surviving Glastonbury just after the tour (five hot, sweaty days in a field dancing, walking for hours, putting up and dismantling a tent etc). I’m so impressed, I don’t see myself going to the salon anytime soon.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
14 Day Manicure Gentle Gels™ Polish At-Home Kit, $, available at 14 Day Manicure
Alo Unisex Half Crew Throwback Sock, £25
“I am most comfortable working out in oversized tees, long workout leggings, my trusty APL trainers, and crew socks. Despite exercising regularly — and working in fashion for a living! — I have yet to master styling crew socks with leggings though. They always end up looking too long or bunching up in awkward ways when I roll them. A few months ago, I stopped trying because I found Alo’s “half-crew” socks which are just long enough to pass the crew test without needing to be rolled down. Not only do I like how they look stylistically — I often wear them even when I don’t work out, along with the brand’s Match Point shorts, which are another new favourite for me — but they also feel like a cloud to wear because of the cushioned fabric.” — Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Alo Unisex Half Crew Throwback Sock, $, available at Alo
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, £45
“This moisturiser from Medik8 holds a personal record as the fastest time I’ve emptied out a skincare product — I started using it a month ago, and I’m already almost done with the tub. As I’ve mentioned in my standalone review of this Medik8 launch, this product has serious potential as the moisturiser of the summer. A medley of moisturising agents, including prebiotic peptides and squalane, keeps my skin supple and dewy, and I am simply in love with the silky and weightless texture. I’ve been applying it all over the dry patches on my arms and legs, too.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, $, available at Cult Beauty
Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen, £38
“This is the most beautiful sunscreen I have ever put on my body. In fact, I wouldn’t have even believed it was sunscreen if I hadn’t spent multiple days out and about in Miami — where I live — wearing this stuff. In no way does it resemble the thick, hard-to-blend lotions of yore; the oil isn’t greasy, but rather hydrating and quick-absorbing, and the summery, beachy scent is positively addictive. I love applying it everywhere skin is exposed — shoulders, chest, arms and legs — for an ethereal, goddess-like shimmer. (I imagine this is what Rihanna’s skin looks like all the time, probably.) My lone piece of feedback is that we need an SPF 50 version, and different shimmer tints (hear me out: diamond oil?!) — because a girl needs options!” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen, $, available at Vacation
Lake Pima Shorts Set in Hydrangea, £94
“My flat doesn’t have an air con, so I’m always on the lookout for summer sleepwear that doesn’t make me break a sweat at night. This PJ set from Lake fits the bill perfectly. It comes in a luxurious Peruvian pima cotton (dubbed the ‘cashmere of cotton’) that feels so cosy to swaddle in, and yet remains breathable and airy when I’m tossing and turning. There’s a huge range of colours and patterns available, but I am partial to the basic blue-and-white stripe, which makes me want to climb into my bed with a good book as soon as I put it on.” — Venus Wong, Senior Writer
LAKE Pima Shorts Set, $, available at LAKE
Iconic London Triple Threat Mascara in Brown, £22
“I’ve already been loving and using the black version of this mascara as it lengthens, lifts and thickens my lashes without making them clumpy, and the curl lasts all day without smudges or flakes. But, come summer, I prefer to switch from black to brown for a more natural vibe, so I was so excited when Iconic London announced the new shade.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
Iconic London Triple Threat Mascara, $, available at Iconic London
Partideal 2 Pcs Retro Oval Sunglasses, £6.89 £5.55
“Sunglasses are my favourite accessory, but I do not like to spend a lot of money on them as I frequently lose or break them. I love this two-pack of oval sunglasses, they are simple yet chic and go with every kind of outfit. I will be wearing these all summer and probably on into winter (if I don’t lose them first).” — Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
Partideal 2 Pcs Retro Oval Sunglasses for Women, $, available at Amazon
It Cosmetics Glow with Confidence Sun Cream Blush in Sun Warmth, £25.60
“I’m fully in my blush era, and this just-launched It Cosmetics cream formula is probably going to be my go-to one this summer. It’s super pigmented, so a little goes a long way. The shades all have gorgeous, warm undertones that mimic a sunkissed flush of colour. My favourite shade is Sun Warmth, a gorgeous terracotta that makes my olive skin glow. I love applying it with a fluffy brush across my cheeks and dusted softly along the bridge of my nose for a sunburnt effect. (PSA: Wear sunscreen to avoid real sunburns!)” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
It Cosmetics Glow with Confidence Sun Cream Blush, $, available at Cult Beauty
Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Drops in Peau de Soleil, £53
“Now that summer is in full force, I find myself mixing these Westman Atelier bronzing drops with my tinted sunscreen or moisturiser every morning. It’s really the easiest way to enhance my skin and add a natural glow without being sparkly or shimmery. Although the price is a bit steep, I find I only need one or two tiny drops, so the product should last a long time. Plus, I’m willing to invest in skincare and makeup products that are high-quality and cruelty-free. The Liquid Super Loaded Drops are made with avocado seed oil which is an antioxidant and helps maintain your skin’s moisture, and vitamin C to help even your skin tone.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Drops, $, available at Cult Beauty
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PSA: Our Editors’ Favourite SPFs Are 20% Off