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Editors’ picks: 25+ things Yahoo staffers tried and loved in June

editor favorites: tinted sunscreen, hammock, solar lights, maxi dress
June's editor favorites clearly had a summer theme goin' on... (Photo: Amazon, Target)

When a shopping editor tries a product they love so much that it becomes a new staple, you know it's gotta be really good. After all, we literally shop all. day. long. In short, it takes a lot to impress us — but these 25-plus products rose to the challenge. So what were we obsessed with in June? Lots of great seasonal finds, like a sheer mineral sunscreen, a top-rated hammock, sparkly sandals and a chic one-piece swimsuit. More evergreen picks included a super handy tire inflator, a roomy travel tote, a delightful paint-by-numbers kit and lots more. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

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April McCormick, Senior Health Editor

Need some relief from the heat? No sweat!

$14 at Amazon

These cooling towels are the best! I keep one in my tennis bag and in my handbag. I've even used room temperature water, and the towel still gets cold!

This little gizmo will bring your 'vintage' car into the 21st century. 

$12 at Amazon

This transmitter is awesome for so many reasons. It turns any car into a bluetooth compatible radio, handsfree phone, and offers two extra USB ports!

Rachel Roszmann, Weekend Editor

These classic Dickie’s overalls are tough, roomy and come in nine different colors. They’re available in sizes XS to XXL.

$60 at Amazon

I’m obsessed with these overalls. I got them because I wanted loose pants without a constricting waist for summer, but I wasn’t counting on such a grand reception. Every time I wear them (and I wear them a lot) I get multiple compliments. The last one was from a Gen Zer — she put her hand over her heart, looked up at the ceiling and said “I LOVE your outfit.” You just can’t get mad at that kind of youthful validation.

Everything you need to create a work of art is included in this paint-by-numbers kit: acrylic paints, brushes and a canvas.

$14 at Amazon

I know we’re out of the pandemic, but my husband and I are really into paint-by-numbers right now. I’ve been doing fruit and flowers, and Danny Devito in a platinum wig is just the departure from still lifes that I needed to keep on painting!

Carrie McCabe, Shopping Editor

This amazing two-person hammock comes ready for setup with a space-saving steel stand and premium carry bag included.

$58 at Amazon

Listen — there’s nothing like kicking back on a hammock in your own backyard, lazily laying under a tree and enjoying all the goodness that summer has to offer. We were able to fit myself, my husband, and even our little dog, too! (Just be aware of the 450lb. weight limit).

These solar lights have been popping up all over our neighborhood, and for good reason — the flickering light is super-cool, and they’re available in all sorts of colors. Clip the on-page coupon for the full discount.

$30 at Amazon

These solar-powered torch lights are the perfect accent for any outdoor setup. We committed HARD to purple, and it’s pretty awesome driving up to our house at the end of the day to a lovely purple glow lighting up the night. They’re SO easy to set up, and once you flip a simple switch the solar panels take care of the rest as soon as darkness falls.

Kristin Granero, Senior Commerce Writer

Yes, there is such thing as a 'statement' towel!

$34 at Baggu

Colorful hand towels are among my go-tos for a quick bathroom refresh. The towels in this set from Baggu — available in five nostalgic patterns, some of them different colors — are as plush and playful as they come. The Sunset Quilt Stripe is two-toned so, depending on how you drape it, is like two towels in one. I use these towels for my main bathroom, but think they’d be perfect for guest bathrooms, kitchens, kids’ quarters, the gym, picnics, gifting and beyond (there are also corresponding bath towels for layering on the fun).

You've gotta love a makeup product that's as hydrating as it is gorg. 

$25 at Sephora

As a longtime blush enthusiast, I’ve tried just about every cheek product under the sun. This Dew Blush is one of my latest and greatest finds for waking up my face and creating a natural glow. Just one dab to the cheekbones (I blend it with my favorite Sonia Kashuk brush, applying any extra to my eyelids and anywhere else that could use a flush of color) and I’m out the door. Unlike powders, I also don’t need to worry about the formula shattering, and the compact bottle — complete with applicator — fits easily in a small purse or carry-on for touching up on the go.

Rick Broida, Senior Tech Editor

Small enough to fit in a glove compartment but powerful enough to inflate truck tires, car tires, bicycle tires and playground balls.

$40 at Amazon

The VacLife VL768 Tire Inflator is not only one of the coolest and most practical products I've tried in recent memory, it's also a killer gift item. For just $55 (less if you wait for a sale), you get a compact, powerful tire inflator that's also a flashlight and mobile charger. I especially like the large, easy-to-read display that shows your selected mode (car, bike, motorcycle, ball or custom), desired PSI setting and current PSI of whatever the inflator is connected to. In my tests, the gizmo worked like a charm. Highly recommended!

These water sensors will notify you instantly if there’s a leak, and they’ll do so via phone alert, e-mail and audible alarm. A must-have for any home. Clip the on-page coupon for the full discount. 

$45 at Amazon

True story: There was a slow leak beneath my kitchen-sink faucet, and I’d probably never have noticed until some damage was done. Thankfully, I’d placed one of Govee’s water sensors under the sink, and it alerted me the moment it felt a drop. (It can detect water from above and below.) These little gizmos connect to your home Wi-Fi network, so you can get notifications even when you’re away. I’ve placed them not only beneath sinks, but also beside my washing machine, sump pump, water heater and so on. This is a cheap and effective way to prevent a potentially catastrophic problem.

Rory Halperin, Partnerships and Branded Content Editor

The trolley sleeve slides easily over your rolling luggage handle making airport travel a breeze.

$23 at Amazon

Before a recent plane trip, I needed a new under-the-seat carryon and a friend recommended this bag. It checks off so many boxes — you can expand the bottom, there's multiple pockets (including a separate waterproof one for wet bathing suits) and it fits perfectly on top of my luggage thanks to the side sleeve. I was impressed with how much I was able to pack into it! I purchased it in pink, but there are a ton of fun colors to choose from.

Choose from silver or black — or get both to match all of your summer dresses.

$30 at Macy's

If you need sandals to dress up an outfit, these sparkly ones are it. They're cute, comfy and I've gotten so many compliments on them when I wear them out and about it. I just bought a second pair!

Rebecca Carhart, Beauty Editor

I love how versatile this sleek one-piece is!

$51 at Lands' End

I recently got this stylish swimsuit from Land’s End and love that I can wear it as a high-neck halter or move both straps over and rock the one-shoulder look. It has a soft cup bra sewn in that gives my bust a natural look and its Lyrca Spandex material sucks me in in all the right places. Even better, it’s resistant to chlorine, sunscreen, and sweat and even has UPF 50 protection. I have the brown version and love it so much I think I’m going to snag the black while it’s on sale right now.

How adorable are these bee-themed Mason jars?

$11 at Target

Earlier this month I went to a press event for Ball’s new Honeybee Keepsake Jars and have fallen in love with the new cute design. They look exactly like the classic mason jars that we all know and love except one side has a bee and honeycomb design embossed on it. Each jar holds 16 ounces at a time and I’ve been using them to store salad dressings and sauces in the fridge. I’ve even used them as flower vases around my apartment.

Anna Wahrman, Shopping Editor

This handheld milk frother really does take your coffee from ordinary to extravagant in under 10 seconds. There's a reason it has a zillion five-star reviews. Total life upgrade!

$7 at Amazon

When I read that a $10 Zulay milk frother would change my life, I was skeptical. But 10 bucks to change my life? Worth a shot. I gotta tell you, every word of praise — and there are many — for this Zulay frother is really true. My morning coffee now feels super-luxurious and indulgent. After using this little mood booster for a month, I can't imagine going back to boring old milk.

This hefty number finally got me to buy cast iron, and now I understand. Unlike my nonstick, no hot spots, nice depth, and sears beautifully. I also like that it's made in the U.S.

$30 at Amazon

I've never really understood the appeal of cast iron pans. They cost a ton, and the whole point is to keep them dirty? Pass. But when I saw that kitchen goddess Ina Garten approves of this Lodge cast iron skillet and it was on sale, I finally hit that "Add to Cart" button. I'm now completely obsessed. Seasoning it before and after every use feels like a sacred duty, not a chore. I should've known that Ina is never wrong!

Britt Ross, Deals Writer

Sink starting to stink? Lemi Shine to the rescue!

$10 at Target

I have a garbage disposal for the first time in my life, and I didn’t realize how smelly they can get over time! Luckily, these little cleaning packets flush out those icky odors, and they couldn’t be easier to use. Just let the water run in a thin stream, stick a packet in the disposal and turn it on. The packet will dissolve and bubble up into a foam (it’s super satisfying!), leaving behind a fresh, citrusy scent.

The pretty packaging may have been what caught my eye, but it was this shampoo's moisturizing effect that sold me. 

$7 at Amazon

My hair has become curlier over the past few years, and because of that, it's become a lot dryer and frizzier than it used to be. I knew my old shampoo wasn't gonna cut it anymore, so I decided to try this one by Monday Haircare (admittedly, because I was drawn to the cute pink bottle!). That said, I've definitely noticed a difference in how my hair feels since using it — it's softer, smoother and less brittle, with fewer split ends. I also appreciate that this shampoo is free of SLS, parabens and pthalates, is cruelty-free and super affordable!

Patrick Hearn, Tech Editor

Dive into the exciting conclusion of a three-game series that gives you dozens of hours of fun and entertainment.

$80 at Amazon

I am always on the lookout for a good video game, but the Atelier series stands apart. An in-depth crafting system, lovable characters, and a wholesome, cozy story make it a great way to spend 30+ hours exploring a huge world full of unique and interesting stories.

Give your plants the support they need with these easy-to-use (and reusable) clips.

$9 at Amazon

Sure, twine might look more cottagecore, but I'd rather my tomatoes be secured to their stakes. These clips make it easy to do that and are far more reliable than tied string during summer storms. The fact that I get 40 for $9 is just a bonus.

Taylor Lane, Deals Writer

This TikTok-endorsed desk mat comes in 14 colors and four sizes.

$8 at Amazon

I love it when I find an impulse buy that turns out to be useful. Since I spend so much time at my home desk, I needed something that protected it from coffee mishaps and the occasional pen marks that dinged my wooden surface. After seeing the K Knodel Desk Mat on TikTok, I added it to my cart immediately. It sits perfectly on my desk — it doesn’t slide around. Plus, it’s soft and easy to clean. Definitely a win for $10!

Now that it’s summertime in the South, I’m wearing less makeup and more SPF. This sunscreen from EltaMD has a zinc oxide formula that is nearly transparent. It also includes hyaluronic acid, which hydrates skin. And my favorite feature: The sunscreen has a light tint that smooths skin overall.

Lisa Schweitzer, Senior Editor

This streamlined backpack is ideal for daily use, especially if you carry a laptop. It features a laptop sleeve as well as an integrated tablet pouch, in addition to multiple compartments for chargers, cords and whatever else you need for the day.

$60 at Target

I picked up this backpack for general everyday use for my son this summer. The straps are cushioned and comfortable and there are plenty of pockets to stow his tech gear, water bottle and more. Plus, I appreciate the sleek design.

This dress with a smocked bodice flatters so many figure types and features an on-trend color and pattern, making it the perfect piece to spice up your warm-weather wardrobe.

$28 at Target

I'm a huge fan of dresses as they make instant outfits, which we all need when pressed for time on hectic days. This one-shoulder maxi dress is absolutely perfect for summer evenings, travel and for the fall, layered with a jean jacket. I'll be wearing it on repeat.

Izabella Zaydenberg, Deputy Editor

Summer frizz is no match for this top-rated wonder in a bottle. 

$26 at Amazon

I don’t typically repurchase hair products, but when I thought I lost my bottle of It’s A 10 during a recent move, I have never repurchased something so quickly. It’s the ultimate multitasker: it helps with frizz, detangling, strength and doesn’t leave my hair feeling tacky. A little goes a long way, too. I eventually found my bottle, but I certainly don’t regret buying a backup.

Teach your kitty a little lesson in self-sufficiency with this timed pet feeder. 

$43 at Amazon

In an attempt to convince my cat to not have her nightly 3 a.m. tantrum, I got this automatic feeder to remind her that I’m not, in fact, starving her. Unlike most auto feeders, this one dispenses both dry and wet food (there’s a component that helps keep gravy and pate cool for up to eight hours). She’s still figuring it out, but at least I can get a few more hours of sleep every night.