View image in fullscreen The Filter Life and style From wine coolers to the ultimate walking sandals: 11 things you loved most in July Whether it’s budget barbecues or clever travel pillows, here are the favourites defining your summer
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Lily Smith Mon 3 Aug 2026 16.00 CEST Share Prefer the Guardian on Google The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
J uly’s hitlist paints a picture of a month well spent. A barbecue and nifty wine cooler sleeve suggest alfresco evenings, while a bargain tent and cool box point to camping trips. Sensible but stylish walking shoes and a trusty water bottle also suggest time spent in the great outdoors.
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All in all – despite the climate crisis-charged heatwaves and hosepipe bans – it sounds like you’re making the most of the summer. From a cooling mattress topper to a cheap-and-cheerful mascara, here are your favourite things from last month.
View image in fullscreen Panda bamboo topper, double
Ravi Meah ’s guide to sleeping in a heatwave is full of helpful tips and recommendations, including this cooling bamboo mattress topper. It is “breathable and moisture-wicking, helping sweat evaporate more easily and reducing the chance of overheating on hot nights,” he says. Jane Hoskyn also gave the topper a five-star review .
View image in fullscreen Teva Hurricane XLT3
“My trusty Hurricanes have been worn at a whole host of places, from the hills in the Himalayas to home in the Cotswolds, so I know they’re built to last,” says Sian Lewis in her test of the best walking sandals . A comfortable and affordable shoe for “relaxed summer walking and exploring”.
View image in fullscreen Le Creuset wine cooler sleeve
Rated as best for picnics in Mina Holland ’s test of the best wine coolers , this jazzy Le Creuset sleeve is perfect for keeping wine chilled on the go. “A natty little number to keep in your freezer for the times you need to rapidly chill a room-temp bottle,” says Mina .
View image in fullscreen Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky Tubes tubing mascara, 7ml
When it comes to beauty, what’s worth splurging on, and where should you save your pennies? Anita Bhagwandas has the answers in her spend or save beauty guide . “There are plenty of brilliant, affordable mascaras on the high street,” she says, including this tubing mascara from Maybelline. “Expect length, volume, lift and impressive hold.”
View image in fullscreen Campingaz Icetime cool box
This cool box is “sturdier than it looks and would make a solid companion for overnight camping trips or festivals”, says Linda Geddes in her roundup of the best cool boxes . Its robust design and respectable results during testing earned it the title of best budget.
View image in fullscreen Trtl travel pillow
Clearly plenty of you have a long journey coming up, landing the Trtl travel pillow on last month’s hitlist. Pete Wise rated it the best for side sleepers in his test of the best travel pillows . “The whole thing packs down very neatly into its carry case,” making it ideal for your next trip.
View image in fullscreen Weber kettle charcoal barbe cue
Nothing says summer like alfresco dining, so it’s no surprise many of you snapped up this affordable barbecue. “It’s effortless to lig…