Late-sommar favs

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Actually Good Things is a weekly newsletter chock full of thoughtful product recs from a human being (hi, hello) who’s actually tried them.

This week—while spending the dog days at the hot county fair and in the cool movie theater (to see Freakier Friday with the women in my family, obviously)—I’m reflecting on my end-of-summer (late-sommar, if you will) favs.

These are actually good things I, a mortal woman who tries and tests and tastes stuff for a living, am particularly fond of at present. AI could never.*

Recess Mood Drinks

I raise my eyebrows at many “healthy” soda alternatives. But whatever, these lightly carbonated, mildly fruity tea infusions are tasty. And the cans are pretty, which, if we’re honest, matters.

Sour Punch Lollipops

I’m a big lollipop guy—it’s a sweet treat that lasts like 20 minutes and ends in minimal regret. See’s are my forever favorite and Tootsie Pops are a close second, but I’ve been buying these sour suckers at truck stops on road trips this summer and thought about them enough to order more from Amazon.

Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Tint

This lip stain delivers a perfect pinch of color. It’s easy to apply for those not so steady-handed with lipstick or liner (🙋🏻‍♀️) and leaves a just-bitten hue in its wake. I wore it to the Post Malone concert.👇🏻

Dear Dahlia Petal Drop Blush

I’m really digging this liquid blush. The sheer, watercolor-like finish makes my cheeks look slightly sun-kissed and faintly flushed—could definitely pass as not wearing any makeup.

Lululemon Spaghetti-Strap Cami

I love this Lululemon cami so damn much. It’s the delicate ‘90s-coded spaghetti straps, forgiving square neckline, and curved side seams that create the illusion of a tucked waist. I bought like six of them and wear one at least twice a week. Size up; thank me later.

Gooseberry One Piece Tank

The best swimsuit I’ve tried on this year: tailored around the chest, cheeky in the back, and—again—pared-down spaghetti straps. I got this not-very-summery but exceptionally chic burgundy color.

Rifle Paper Co. Baseball Hat

A ball cap made by a stationery company is exactly the kind of sporty-meets-whimsy product I can’t resist. This hat from Rifle Paper goes with the wine-colored swimsuit above, plus it’s seasonless. The warm, deep colorway can transition into fall and translate to holiday-season dressing, while the flowers pull it into spring.

Vivaia Kiara Sandals

Yes, these platform sandals are as comfortable as they look. I have this unexpectedly versatile tonal green option. I’ve tried a few Vivaia styles, and the brand is really doing something right in terms of serving up cute footwear that doesn’t drive your feet to plot your murder.

Patrick Ta Major Glow Body Crème

This skin-perfecting, high-shine body cream gives my below-the-neck dermis a dewy finish to match my well-hydrated face. I also like Patrick Ta’s Glow Balm, which can be used on the body or face for a little light-bouncing luminosity on the shoulders, collarbone, temples, wherever.

MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Paper Napkins

I’m slowly collecting MacKenzie-Childs kitchenware and holiday decor in the timeless black-and-white Courtly Check pattern. (Kris Jenner eat your heart out.) We cook and host lots of dinners at home in the summer, and these elevated paper napkins look nice while getting us off the hook for washing cloth ones.

Tula Protect + Glow Sunscreen Gel

I can hardly go one newsletter without mentioning sunscreen—so sue me. I was actually surprised by how much I liked this one from Tula. Not quite a tint but more enhanced than your standard sheer formula, it gives a subtly golden, light-reflecting sheen that looks pretty on its own or offers a lit-from-within effect under makeup.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission.

What I’ve written lately:

• The Daily Beast | Why You Should Focus on Longevity, Not Short-Term Fitness Goals

• HGTV | Best Tower Fans, Tested and Reviewed

What I’m reading lately:

• Perfection, a novel by Vincenzo Latronico

• The New Yorker | The Revenge of Millennial Cringe

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