Wednesday, September 6, 2023

August Bestsellers: 29 Items That Soothed R29 Readers’ End-Of-Summer Scaries

There are Sunday scaries, and then there are August scaries. IFYKYK. Fall fashion newsletters are exciting but overwhelming. The hot weather we yearned for suddenly feels hellish. And Starbucks grim-reaps summer with its annual fall menu reveal. It's a 31-day hodgepodge of fall excitement and summer mourning. But there's a cure to such formidable cognitive dissonance: online shopping.

So we're a tad biased; we get it. But we crunched the numbers (from our anonymous shopping data) and analyzed Refinery29 readers' top-bought products from the month. What did we see? Some of you holding onto summer with billowy dresses and cooling sheets; others saying goodbye with structured blazers and cozy couches. Whether you're suffering in the heat or dreading the cold, we can all agree on one thing: August is as confusing as it gets. Scroll on for August's 29 bestselling products — from brand-new sex toys to trendy ring watches to tinted moisturizers — perfect for surviving August scaries, according to you, Refinery29 readers.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

FP Movement Fast Track Onesie


Free People's in-house brand's activewear, like the adorable Fast Track Onesie, can go from a hike to brunch to the gym. It's no wonder we deemed it the best outdoor jumpsuit, and R29 readers added plenty to their Free People carts.

Shop Free People

FP Movement Fast Track Onesie, $, available at Free People

Pact Everyday Boy Short 6-Pack


We thank thongs for fulfilling their summer sweat-wicking duties, but we always have a special place in our hearts for boy shorts, no matter the season. And Pact's six-pack can't be beat with each pair's around-the-clock, high-coverage comfort.

Shop Pact

PACT Everyday Boy Short 6-Pack, $, available at PACT

Jenni Kayne Drift Dress


Cult-favorite cardigans? Check. Enchanting candles? Check. An effortless, reader-favorite dress? Check, check, check. Jenni Kayne has it all.

Shop Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Drift Dress, $, available at Jenni Kayne

Lululemon Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant


This month's Lululemon We Made Too Much hidden gem: the Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant. We witnessed the resurgence of flared yoga pants back in 2021, and we still can't enough of the style (especially when it's on sale).

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Lululemon Groove Super-High-Rise Flared Pant, $, available at Lululemon

Skims Fits Everybody Triangle Bralette


Skims cracked the code to the flawless bralette. And it's all thanks to its "2-ply supportive stretch" and "second-skin softness," per its on-site description. The Fits Everybody Triangle Bralette specifically features a deep v-cut silhouette that makes it perfect for low-neck tees.

Shop Skims

Skims Fits Everybody Triangle Bra, $, available at Skims

Prestinecrafts Vintage Y2K Watch Rings Punk Quartz Watch Rings


Refinery29 Fashion Writer Frances Solá Santiago fell in love with the "bold and masculine feel" of ring watches in August. Now you can, too — thanks to this Etsy bestseller.

Shop Etsy


Etsy Vintage Y2K Watch Rings Punk Quartz Watch Rings for Women Man Couples Hip-hop, $, available at Etsy

Barb Soft Clay Pomade


To our short-haired besties, may we introduce you to Barb's signature natural, cruelty-free, and delightfully aromatic pomade. According to our deals writer, Mercedes Viera, it "leaves no residue behind, except its fresh citrusy scent and the magic of making sure my hair takes whatever shape I decide — not the humidity, heat, or wind." Trust us; it's worth buying a tub or two.

Shop Barb

Barb Soft Clay Pomade, $, available at Barb

Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation


August welcomed Glossier's first-ever foundation: Stretch Fluid. The product features 32 shades and five undertones (neutral, pink, golden, red, and peach). To our surprise, it got mixed reviews from our four Refinery29 beauty editors. Amanda Mitchell mentions, "This really is the foundation for people who hate foundation but want just a bit of a boost." Meanwhile, Jacqueline Kilikita felt a tad underwhelmed by its lightweight formula. Regardless, 'twas a bestseller among Refinery29 readers and a cult-favorite find among Glossier reviewers.

Shop Glossier

Glossier Stretch Fluid Foundation, $, available at Glossier

Unbound Squish


The sexperts at Unbound debuted a new toy in August, and its haptic technology "catapulted" our sex and wellness writer Charlotte Lewis "into an extremely well-earned orgasm." Don't know what haptic technology is? Neither did we. Fortunately, Charlotte informed heaps of readers — apparently, her Unbound's new high-tech toy is a must-have.

Shop Unbound

Unbound Squish, $, available at Unbound Babes

St. Agni Linen Silhouette Blazer


The best way to overcome Sunday August scaries? Stock up on some autumn wardrobe staples like St. Agni's luxurious linen blazer.

Shop St. Agni

St. Agni Linen Silhouette Blazer, $, available at St. Agni

Anthropologie Handcarved Gulliver Single Bathroom Vanity


Calling all bathroom decor enthusiasts, run to Anthropologie for unique, ornate furniture finds. Albeit expensive, the Gulliver Vanity's intricate carvings, marble tabletop, and brass detailing should make it a guilt-free buy.

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Anthropologie Handcarved Gulliver Single Bathroom Vanity, $, available at Anthropologie

Casper Original Hybrid Mattress


Labor Day may have been the perfect time to cash in on discounted bestselling beds, but we'll let you in on a little shopping writer secret: Mattress sales tend to transcend time. Enter Casper's Original Hybrid Mattress. It's top-rated — a 4.6-out-of-5-star rating and over 3,000 reviews, to be exact — and still going for 20% off. Score it now for optimal spine alignment, multi-zone ergonomic support, and years of rejuvenating snoozes.

Shop Casper

Casper Original Hybrid Mattress, $, available at Casper

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil (2oz)


Looking for long, luscious lashes, moisturized locs, and the like? Meet your new best friend: castor oil.

Shop Amazon

Kate Blanc Cosmetics Castor Oil (2oz), $, available at Amazon

Abercombie & Fitch Oversized Colorblock Flannel Shirt


Abercrombie & Fitch is a goldmine for affordable fall fashion — whether it's cap-sleeved mini dresses, comfortable denim, or this coveted colorblocked top.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Oversized Colorblock Flannel Shirt, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Albany Park Kova Sofa 84″


The Kova Sofa is a worthy investment, according to our Affiliate Director Sarah Crow and her extremely cozy living room, that is.

Shop Albany Park

Albany Park Kova Sofa 84", $, available at Albany Park

Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads (20 Pack)


Save your wallet, skin, and the planet with some resuable makeup remover pads. Not only are they designed to last a year, but they're organic cotton composition is super-gentle on complexions. The cherry on top: A drawstring laundry bag is included with your purchase!

Shop Amazon

Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads (20 Pack), $, available at Amazon

Tanya Taylor Elana Dress


The Elana Dress's neutral hue, ribbed fabric, and flattering fit make it a bonafide fall essential. Dress it up with some chic outerwear and accessories or wear it on its own — now that's a stylish win-win.

Shop Tanya Taylor

Tanya Taylor Alana Dress, $, available at Tanya Taylor

Wet For Her RockHer Mini Scissoring Vibrator


This vibrator — sold by lesbian-owned sex toy retailer Wet For Her — was created specifically with scissoring in mind. Whether you're just beginning your queer sex toy journey or are always in the market for new gadgets, we think the RockHer Mini is an excellent addition to bedside drawers.

Shop Wet For Her

Wet For Her RockHer® Mini Scissoring Vibrator, $, available at Wet For Her

Dyson Supersonic Origin Hair Dryer


It's no secret that Dyson prices run a tad high — and rightfully so. The British brand redefined floor and hair care as we know it with its high-tech gadgets. But in August, Dyson revealed a new version of its highly coveted Supersonic hair dryer at a slightly more affordable price point. If the original $430 had you hesitant, then take a peek at this $300 gizmo.

Shop Dyson



Dyson Supersonic™ Origin hair dryer, $, available at Dyson

Petaluma Sweet Potato Jerky


Our Affiliate Strategist Becca Sax's famous fur baby Chicken Nugget adores these eco-friendly sweet potato treats. Now, your pup can too.

Shop Amazon

Petaluma Sweet Potato Jerky, $, available at Petaluma

Hanke Hard Shell Carry On Luggage


With a 4.4-out-of-5-star rating and 400+ reviews, we consider Hanke's hard-shell suitcase an Amazon rising star. On-site Amazon reviewer Caroline C. Tseng raves, "Amazing suitcase worth every penny. Despite being a bit heavier than I’d expected, it’s so easy to roll around and super sturdy." No wonder it's a bestseller from our 29-product Amazon luggage roundup.


Shop Amazon

Hanke Aluminum Frame Suitcase, $, available at Amazon

Mansur Gavriel M Frame Box Bag


Mansur Gavriel is singlehandedly leading the fight against end-of-summer sadness with its sale section. The luxury accessories brand has discounted bags aplenty that are going for an extra 15% off — run, don't walk!

Shop Mansur Gavriel

Mansur Gavriel M Frame Box Bag, $, available at Mansur Gavriel

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set


Cozy Earth's sheets are, well, cozy — but they also have plenty of breezy offerings for our fellow sweaty sleepers. Nab this luxe viscose bamboo set (did we mention it's one of Oprah's favorite things?) and prepare for supple, temp-regulating threads to arrive at your doorstep.

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Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set, $, available at Cozy Earth

Steamline Luggage The Architect Navy Vanity


A show-stopping mini carry-on fit for in-flight essentials.

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Steamline Luggage The Architect Navy Vanity, $, available at Steamline

Perilogics Universal In Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount


Tired of propping up your phone on a rolled-up sweatshirt all flight long? This top-bought phone mount is here to save the day.

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Perilogics Universal In Flight Airplane Phone Holder Mount, $, available at Amazon

TecQach Seven-Day Travel Pill Box


Help your pills get in formation with these bestselling pill boxes — we're talking included labels, compact designs, and odorless, food-grade plastic.

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TecQach Seven-Day Pill Organizer, $, available at Amazon

Camelbak eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle By LifeStraw


For our senior writer, Karina Hoshikawa, this filtering water bottle was a vacation-saving grace. "I recently went on a bachelorette trip to Tulum, and having never been to Mexico before, I was worried about staying hydrated while sticking to bottled water," she writes. "It has the leak-proof bite straw that CamelBaks are known for, and the built-in LifeStraw worked like a charm. I’ll be bringing this everywhere with me when I travel."

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CamelBak eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle by LifeStraw, $, available at Amazon

FP Movement Quilted Carryall


Meet our Affiliate Writer and Content Producer Esther Newman's favorite summer bag and August's top-bought accessory. Lightweight, quilted, and spacious — prepare to tote this carryall anytime, anywhere.

Shop Free People

FP Movement Quilted Carryall, $, available at Free People

Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide & SPF 40


When we're not slathering on Dr. Jart's TikTok-viral Snail Mucin Serum (trust, it's life-changing), we're adding the acclaimed skin-care brand's tinted moisturizer to our carts. Equipped with collagen-boosting niacinamide, SPF, and a natural tint, it's your ticket to a healthy, effortlessly glowy complexion.

Shop Sephora


Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Tinted Moisturizer with Niacinamide and SPF 40, $, available at Sephora

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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