We're editors in our 20s to our 40s — here's everything we bought in June that we would actually recommend
Because we're obsessed with testing products — "is it worth buying?" is one of our favourite questions — we've curated a list of things we've tried and, importantly, actually liked from the past month. The products listed below got our editors through heatwaves, bumpy car rides and summertime meal prep.
Scroll ahead to shop the products we would wholeheartedly recommend, plus check out the 10 most popular items Yahoo Canada readers bought in June.
This indoor grill is quite possibly the best gadget I've tested all year. I live in an apartment building with hundreds of units and we have only two communal barbecues at our disposal. I, a self-proclaimed BBQ queen, could/would/will grill every day in the summer if I had it my way — and this indoor smokeless grill makes that possible.
The Chefman AccuGrill Smokeless Indoor Grill is compact — if you're cooking for more than two people, it might be too small for your needs — and fits perfectly on my kitchen countertop. It has a temperature range of 250˚F to 450˚F and heats up quickly. It comes with an integrated, removable probe that displays the live internal temperature of your food as it cooks, which is handy if you are without a food thermometer.
As a small, indoor electric grill, the results will obviously differ from those of a larger propane BBQ, but it still sears beautifully and leaves prominent sear marks in its wake. I love it; I use it almost daily, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to BBQ without having access to a larger grill. - Kayla Kuefler, Senior Shopping Editor
It has been outrageously hot in Toronto recently and this portable, handheld hand has been an absolute godsend for keeping me cool in the scorching temperatures. It has two charging ports: USB C and USB, and a full charge genuinely lasts for over 15 hours.
It has six speed options but honestly, the lowest speed is more than strong enough to cool you down.
I also love that the fan is foldable, which means I can angle the head to get the perfect airflow. My only small gripe with this fan is that it's not exactly silent; it's not loud by any stretch of the imagination, but the sound is noticeable.
I own three of these fans (including one in the pink option!) and never leave home without one of them — easily one of the best Amazon purchases I've ever made! — Sarah Rohoman, Producer
These shoes are super trendy — you've probably seen them on cool Gen Z influencers. For more than three years, I coveted the fun look, but figured they A) wouldn't actually be any good and B) would look stupid on me, as someone who is extremely not a cool Gen Z influencer.
As a lover of all things pink, when I spotted this colourway, unfortunately I was left with no choice but to purchase. My only regret? Not getting them earlier. They're extremely comfortable right out of the box, ridiculously lightweight and stand up to my intense walking regime (I log at least 20,000 steps per day) — and I think I manage to pull them off, too. If you're on the fence, I would definitely recommend them — in my opinion, they're better than New Balance, Hoka or Asics and are worth the high price tag. My only word of caution? The sizing can be a bit wonky. I went with a 6.5 women's (5.5 mens), a full size smaller than I usually wear. You might want to try them on in store, or shop from an online retailer with a flexible return policy. — Hilary Hagerman, Lifestyle & Commerce Managing Editor
I've suffered from motion sickness for my entire life. I've gotten sick on short 15 minute trips, and even in the driver's seat of a car. Essentially, if I can't make myself fall asleep on a journey, it's going to be a rough experience.
Since using motion sickness glasses, they've become one of my most essential items. Medication, gum, bracelets, patches, essential oils, I've tried it all, so I was certainly skeptical that these glasses would work, but they surprised me.
These glasses don't completely eliminate every motion sickness symptoms I have. I do still felt a bit queasy, on longer trips in particular, but when I wear them I never get to the point where my stomach sinks and I feel like I'm going to vomit, which is a big win for me. I also don't have to take medication that makes me drowsy if I'm wearing these, which is great because I can actually be awake for the trip.
They're foldable, easy to pack away and store, and really don't feel very uncomfortable.
I rely on them so much now I have two pairs. One pair that stays in my most-used travel bag, and another that I take with me on short car rides close to home.
Sure, they're not the most stylish accessory. But once you've thrown up next to a stranger because of motion sickness, you'll happily sacrifice fashion for function. — Elisabetta Bianchini, Senior New Editor
To take a line from the great Katy Perry: "Do you ever feel like a plastic bag?" If you're having one of those days where can't muster the energy to put on an outfit that works, or just need ventilation in a sticky heatwave: I've got the dress for you!
This Uniqlo AIRism Cotton T-Shirt dress is for those days where you feel like a plastic bag — or want to wear one — while staying on trend. The dress is spacious, allowing for relief on hot days, but is also a modest option for those looking to cover up or avoid burning in the sun. The sturdy cotton material holds its structure, isn't see-through, while still being breathable. It's perfect if you're out and about doing multiple errands, running around in a park, or enjoying a travel day. I was stopped by two women in a grocery store who particularly admired the deep pockets: they can fit a phone-and-a-half without looking bulky. Paired with some runners or flats, you can decide whether you want to dress it up or down, and it comes in multiple colours.
The only downside is how big, is too big? If you're a smaller statured person, the XS and XXS are still quite wide. The dress is meant to be ankle-length, but for a shorter person (I'm 5'0'), it does graze my feet. Customers widely seem to prefer the oversized fit, though — people who usually buy M and L are able to comfortably slide into the smaller sizes with the ideal amount of space, avoiding the nightgown aesthetic. — Farah Syed, News and Homepage Managing Editor
This is the only eyeshadow in my (very minimalist) makeup bag, and for good reason. The shimmering, oyster-gold shade seems universally flattering and reflects light beautifully, brightening the eyes. While some reviewers report creasing, I've found it stays put. The cream formula is long-wearing, vegan and free of parabens and formaldehydes. You can apply it with fingers for a quick look or use a small brush for more precise, even coverage. I used to prefer cream shadow sticks for their convenience, but this is a worthwhile upgrade — I even invested in a brush. The finish is soft yet impactful, and although it's a bit pricey, the quality makes it worth the splurge for me. — Mary Cowan, Yahoo Canada Editor-in-Chief
Cordless isn't always better than corded — that's the lesson I've learned with hair clippers. I've owned two rechargeable trimmers that have since been rendered pretty much useless, with one's charging cord being misplaced and the other no longer able to hold a strong enough charge to trim a whole beard. I also recently tried the Philips OneBlade, but — even with a guard — left me in shock when it essentially took off all of my facial hair.
That's led me on a hunt for a corded clipper in hopes that the third time's the charm when it comes to my luck with hair trimmers. I've come across the beloved Wahl Peanut in my online research, and in June, I decided to finally crack open its (plastic packaging) shell. So far, I can't imagine ever going back to a cordless hair clipper.
Despite having a tiny size that'll be handy for travel, this four-inch-long hair trimmer packs a powerful punch when it comes to performance; as soon as you push forward its switch, it feels like you're holding a McDonald's Snack Wrap that's vibrating at the strength of a massage gun. It's a great balance between high power and vacation-friendly compactness that's well-suited for my personal needs.
I've read numerous comments from Wahl Peanut owners saying they've managed to hold onto it for several years, all without many signs of wear. For the sake of trashed hair trimmers, let's hope mine gets the same longevity. — Chris Stoodley, Senior Lifestyle and News Editor
If you know me, it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of Rhode Skin by Hailey Bieber — especially the Glazing Milk, which has become a non-negotiable must-have in my skincare regimen. I was eyeing the Pocket Blush for quite some time, but never bit the bullet because I consistently reminded myself of how many blushes I already own. However, I couldn't resist for too long and eventually purchased the highly raved-about product (well, I technically purchased three of them — oops).
I now proudly own the shades Piggy, Freckle and, my favourite of all, Toasted Teddy. Turns out I was wrong for many months because I definitely did need to add this product to my collection, despite owning too many blushes already.
Not only does the satiny, easy-to-apply formula apply perfectly and melt into the skin, but it also has hydrating benefits. I can honestly say it's like no other, and the shades are top-tier. Plus, the packaging makes it easy to take on the go for touch-ups (because we all know blush is the first thing to fade). — Melina Brum, Shopping Editor
We shared our top picks for June, but what are yours? We crunched the data from Amazon, Lululemon, Article and Michael Kors and found the 10 most popular items Yahoo Canada readers bought this month.
This bestselling (and efficacious!) Botanic Hearth Pure Rosemary Oil for hair growth
Lululemon's travel-friendly two-litre Everywhere Crossbody Bag
This convertible crossbody bag from Michael Kors that's 80 per cent off right now — seriously!
Amazon's bestselling retinol eye balm that's a fan-favourite for anti-aging
This mould and stain removing gel that reviewers swear by
Lululemon's incredibly chic, designed-inspired Classic Knit Tote Bag
This gorgeous Leo sofa from Article that's a whopping $1,570 off right now
A portable air conditioner from Amazon that's heatwave-approved
Organika's Canadian-made collagen powder for glowing skin
An eye cream from CeraVe that targets under-eye dark circles and puffiness
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Now you can kick back and relax instead of having to run into the house every time you want to crack open a cold one. Promising review: "This thing is great and perfect to start off the spring/summer. We dumped a giant bag of ice in there and kept our drinks cold all afternoon. The swivel top is convenient and fun. Love that it's a table and an aesthetically pleasing cooler." —ShanaGet it from Amazon for $119.99 (available in four colors). A waterproof outdoor curtain to either partition off space in your outdoor space or provide you with some privacy, like if your balcony looks directly onto someone else's balcony or something unsightly. A gas firepit table so you can keep when the nights start to get chilly. It comes with a glass lid, so when the fire's not in use it can be used as a table. Promising review: "My favorite purchase for our deck. I LOVE this fire table. Good size, great value compared to what is out there. Packaged nicely. My husband put it together alone in 30–45 minutes with no frustration and easy-to-follow directions. Puts out a decent amount of heat. Enough rocks to adequately cover. Just add your propane tank. I love that it has a lid as well. You will find sturdier fire tables, but not at this price. Excellent value." —BelliumGet it from Amazon for $199.99+ (available in two sizes and four styles). A 21-inch Ryobi self-propelling lawnmower because yard work is way more tolerable when your mower doesn't sound like a helicopter. This one's battery-powered (read: quiet), and the charge lasts long enough — I did both my front and back lawn with juice left over. It's a very worthy investment if you want to maintain a pristine lawn all year long without a lot of effort on your part (self-propelling really is awesome). My house has a lot of lawn: over 3,000 square feet. When we first moved in, I bought a cheap battery-powered mower that could barely handle either the front or the back yard on a single charge. Not ideal. This Ryobi mower is the total opposite. I can mow both the front and back with charge to spare. A "command center" lets you activate turbo mode and lights, and adjust the self-propel speed right from the handle (great for slowing down when you're trying to mow a corner). Turbo mode gives you an extra boost for tough patches, and it comes with a grass catcher bag, though I always keep mine on mulch mode because it's better for the lawn. The handle folds down for easy storage. Bonus: the 40V battery works with over 85 other Ryobi tools, which I love because it means I can expand my collection without collecting a bunch of different batteries. Promising review: "I have about 1,500 sq. ft. yard and I have mowed it four times and the battery is at 50%. It does great on a 25% incline slope. It has so much power that I had to lower it to 50%. Best lawnmower I have ever owned. Highly recommend." —RchoHomeOwner Get it from The Home Depot for $549. A quilted hammock with a detachable pillow so you can take a nap under your favorite tree. Each hammock can hold up to 450 pounds, so grab a loved one and get to snuggling. You can get the stand here!What's included: One pillow, two chains, and two S-shaped hooks. Promising review: "There is nothing more comfortable than being cradled and rocked in a hammock that is comfortable with its padded quilted canvas, built-in pillow, and the size built for two. The craftsmanship and anchors give you a secure feeling." — it from Amazon for $67.40+ (available in seven colors). A fully insulated, aesthetically pleasing cooler that'll be the hit of any backyard bbq you host. With a 45-quart capacity, it can hold all your favorite bevvies — because no one likes running inside for refills. It's got a built-in bottle opener, a drainage spout for easy cleanup, and a lid you can pop open for quick grabs or shut tight to keep things frosty. A portable, Bluetooth-enabled outdoor speaker with all the bells and whistles you could possibly ever need. Can it play music nonstop for 24 hours on a single charge? Totes. Is it waterproof? Yes. Floatable? Uh-huh. Does it have a racetrack subwoofer with a max output of 80W? Heck yeah, it does! Promising review: "I cannot understand how something this size can possibly produce such amazing, loud, clear sound and bass. It is a truly incredible device that I intend to use daily because it works well outside, too. Do not be deceived by the affordable price. It is significantly better than a $400 JBL. The battery life is great, too. If I want it loud, half the volume is all you need. If I want to blast my neighbors, 80%. I haven't needed to push it further. The bass-up function is awesome. You're gonna love this thing." —Rob and PiperGet it from Amazon for $89.99+ (available in three colors). A canopy swing that'll rock and swing *and* provide you with shade on extra sunny days. It's zero gravity, so you'll feel weightless when you're all tucked in. A giant four-in-a-row game for keeping you and your guests entertained for hours. It's all-weather, designed to be quiet, and has a carrying case for storing when not in use. Champion Sports is a family-owned and operated small business that's been operating out of New Jersey since 1961. Promising review: "I bought this for the kids to play during cookouts. We have corn hole and other games as well, and I find myself playing this as much, if not more, than corn hole. Great quality, and it comes with a carrying bag to put away for easy storage and clean up." —Alan Rich Get it from Amazon for $199.99+ (available in two sizes). And a set of giant wooden dice with a matching bucket to make your backyard feel like summer camp, minus the bug bites. You get six jumbo dice, a wooden bucket, and scorecards for games like Yardzee and Farkle — basically everything you need to entertain friends, kids, or very competitive grandparents.
