9 Life-Changing Wellness Products to Try in July
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There are few things more satisfying than finding a great wellness product: something that actually works as advertised, solves a relatively minor but very annoying problem, genuinely motivates you to take care of yourself, and is a delight to use. That’s why we’ve started regularly sharing our recommendations for the best stuff. These are the items we’re truly excited about—like, can’t stop gushing about to anyone who will listen—and really believe are worth the money.
This month, we have a bunch of great picks for you, including a delicious iced tea; a pillow that’ll keep you from getting a stiff neck on your summer travels; and a stick-on heat patch that will help soothe your period cramps. We hope you’ll get as much use (and delight!) out of these items as we have.
(Note: This list includes a mix of samples that brands sent to us gratis for testing purposes as well as stuff we purchased, but everything listed is only here because we actually really like it.)
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
- Cora1
CORA The Simply Soothing Heat Patch
I’ve always liked the *idea* of electric heating pads (my mom’s old-ass corded one soothed my period cramps the few times I used it), but in practice, I found them tedious and cumbersome. So when I got a sample of these one-time-use, self-adhesive heat relief patches a few years ago, I was skeptical but hopeful, and I can honestly say they’ve changed my uterus’s life in the time since! You just stick them on the outside of your underwear and they deliver consistent, long-lasting heat. (The brand says they last for about eight hours, but I’ve slapped one on at 7 p.m. and it was still doing its thing at 7 the next morning.) They get nice and warm but not too hot, and while apparently “activated charcoal” is responsible for this witchcraft, I’d like to think it’s the dark arts at play. Either way, I’m a believer. —Cathryne Keller, associate wellness director
- Lululemon2
Lululemon Restfeel Slide
There’s nothing quite like slipping off your sneakers after a long run. But when your feet are still feeling all of that pounding, they’ll need some TLC. Following my fall, winter, or even spring runs, I’d slip them into my trusty Ugg slippers as I stretched, walked around, and otherwise relaxed around the house. But after sweaty summer ones, all that lining can feel a little bit swampy. So when Lululemon sent me a sample of their new recovery slides, I was stoked: I wanted a shoe that provided some cushion and support but still allowed my feet to breathe. These more than delivered, soothing my sore feet while allowing them to cool down. I originally thought I’d wear them only post-workout, but after I slipped them on once for an errand, they quickly became my go-to summer shoe. I also love the cool green color—I wear it with absolutely everything. —Christa Sgobba, fitness and food director
- Nocs Provisions3
Nocs Provisions 8x32 Field Issue Waterproof Binoculars
I’m thankful to live in New York City, but the nature lover in me itches for an outdoor adventure pretty regularly, especially once warmer weather hits. I’m really into hiking and spend a lot of time in our city’s many parks when I can’t get out of town on the weekends. So when our editor-in-chief wrote about her love of birding as a form of self-care, I was instantly intrigued. Just a few months later, I had an opportunity to test out these binoculars during a trip to the Catskill Mountains, and I instantly became hooked. They’re a great option for beginner birders: I have already spotted 30-plus species—including various fast and tiny warblers—with them! I love that they’re fairly intuitive to use, lightweight, easy to clean, and waterproof. (And as a bonus, they’re pretty dang cute for binoculars!) Spending time in nature is one of the best things I can do to recharge my battery and feel connected to the world around me, and birding has helped me remain even more present when I’m wandering through the trees. It’s a hobby my husband has picked up as well, so it’s something we’ve been able to enjoy together. (He loves his Nocs too!) —Alisa Hrustic, executive editor
- Amazon4
Travelrest Memory Foam Neck Pillow
Maybe it’s the nature of cramped, rigid modern-day air travel, or maybe it’s the fact that my 33-year-old body is having a difficult time catching up with my desire to explore the planet, but flying has recently become unbearable. (Dramatic? Maybe. True? Absolutely.) Support and comfort, particularly in my neck area, have become nonnegotiable on both 3- an 10-hour flights—and the Travelrest Memory Foam Neck Pillow plays a big part in that. Whereas most donut neck pillows (especially the kind you can snatch up last-minute en route to your gate) push your head forward away from the seat, this features a design that allows your head to lean back in a natural way. I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to swivel my head (carefully because, you know, 30s) while sightseeing wherever I land. —Julia Sullivan, associate health conditions director
- Briogeo5
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Shampoo
Now that the warmer months have caught up with my skin and scalp, I’ve been reaching for products that help me to feel less greasy without stripping away all of my natural oils. Lately that’s taken the form of the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Shampoo. Let me just say that my prayers were answered the day I tried this. Just a dollop is enough to penetrate every nook and cranny of my 4B hair. The coconut oil ensures that my strands remain moisturized from root to tip and the peppermint offers a nice cooling effect that’s perfect for summertime—and these ingredients combined produce a heavenly scent. Whether your hair gets too oily or too dry, this shampoo can provide the perfect balance. —Alexandra Jane, associate social media manager
- Magic Hour6
Magic Hour Cosmic Garden Iced Teas
A lot of people are drinking less these days for a variety of reasons, but sticking to seltzer can be difficult in the summer, when everyone around you is probably sipping glasses of rosé and frosty beers. If you’re on the hunt for non-alcoholic libations that still feel special, these Magic Hour iced teas are worth checking out. They initially caught my eye because they come in genuinely unique flavors, like Strawberry Shortcake with Hibiscus, Passionfruit Green with Roses, and Butterfly Blue Coconut Cream. So when the brand sent me a box of Magic Hour packs, I was thrilled to give them a go. The flavors were potent and refreshing, and the teas look stunning when you pour them into a glass and top them off with fun garnishes like sliced fruit or sprigs of herbs. Lately I’ve been craving zero-proof drinks, and am so glad I’ve found this tasty sidekick. —Ashia Aubourg, food writer
- Bearaby7
Cotton Napper
Covering up with a weighted blanket in July might seem like a sweaty nightmare, but if you’re trying to maintain a comfortable temperature as your partner blasts the AC, you’ll understand the need for something that’s cozy but breathable. When Bearaby sent me their Cotton Napper, I was a little skeptical because it doesn’t look like a typical weighted blanket; it doesn’t use glass beads or poly pellets, but instead has an open-weave chunky knit design made of organic cotton. I have to say, it really surpassed my expectations. I love that I can easily move it around my body even though it weighs 15 pounds. I already owned Amazon’s best-selling L’agraty, but I prefer the Cotton Napper because it’s less difficult to maneuver. And because it doesn’t have glass beads, it doesn’t make any noise. My only complaint is that you can’t easily fold it up and store it away, but that’s not much of a concern for me because I like how it looks on my couch. —Jenifer Calle, senior commerce editor
- Versed Skincare8
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum
I take an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach to skin care, which is why I’ve avoided retinol for as long as I have. As someone without crow’s feet or smile lines—at this point, at least, in my 27 years—and whose skin is typically pretty happy, I’m wary of putting anything new into the mix. A skin care friend recently was agog when I told her that I wasn’t using a retinol and suggested the Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Serum—which is marketed as retinol for people who are afraid of it. I started using it nightly after cleansing and noticed a difference in my skin texture within two weeks. One month later, I can say I haven’t had a single pimple—usually one pops up around my period—and my skin texture is far smoother. I feel like “glass skin” is now actually achievable for me because my canvas has been so nicely primed. And there was zero drying or peeling period, nor did I have any increased sensitivity. I think this is the only retinol I will ever use, honestly. —Hannah Pasternak, associate director of special projects
- Corkcicle9
Corkcicle Eola Bucket Cooler Bag
I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: The secret to enjoying hot weather is great gear. Because of this—and my long-standing beef with summer—I’m constantly looking for products that’ll make my trips to the beach and park more comfortable and enjoyable. The newest one to get my personal seal of approval is the Corkcicle bucket backpack, which I paired with the lunchbox-size Cooler Shock reusable ice packs. Since the brand sent it to me in May, I’ve taken it to Fire Island and Jacob Riis Beach, and I’ve used it multiple times in the park near my house. I have to say: This thing’s fantastic. It’s super cute, with a durable neoprene shell and seven color options. More important, though, is the fact that it’s incredibly functional. It kept drinks cold for more than 24 hours, and it’s much easier to carry when full of heavy cans than other small coolers I’ve tried. (It can also hold five bottles of wine, if you’re a rosé-all-day girlie.) —Rachel Miller, editor in chief
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
