As a Beauty Director, here are the 8 products I would choose to repurchase this summer.
(Image credit: Lucy Robinson for Who What Wear UK)
This summer has been quite hot, but you likely already know that. As I write this, I'm sitting with two fans on me and my Shark Depuffer on my desk for some refreshing cryo pauses. Personally, as soon as the summer heatwaves hit, I instinctively alter my beauty routine without even realizing it until I examine my empty beauty product stash at the end of the month. July was a perfect illustration of this. Normally, my Empties Edits feature a diverse mix of makeup, skincare, haircare, perfumes, and candles, but this month, every single empty product is linked to the extreme heat we've been facing. I've been using up body creams as if there's no tomorrow, ensuring my shower gels are getting plenty of action with the three showers I take daily, and prioritizing decongesting cleansers to combat sweat. With over a decade of experience as a beauty editor and having tested hundreds, if not thousands, of products annually, I can confidently say that only the crème de la crème make it into my routine and are used down to the last drop. These eight beauty products have been transformative over the past month, and I'm eager to repurchase every single one right away. Here’s The Empties Edit for July 2026.
1. Tatcha The Rice Wash
I have two cleansers that I deem the best ever created. The first is Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip (which I’ve praised in last month's Empties Edit and often feature here). The second is Tatcha The Rice Wash. Unlike Ceramic Slip, which has a gel-like, creamy texture, this is a thick cream. Its putty-like consistency means you only need a tiny amount, and it produces an incredibly luxurious and effective lather. It’s pH-neutral, containing hyaluronic acid and red algae to nurture and protect your skin's natural moisture barrier while also being very hardworking. With Tatcha's signature Japanese rice powder and an amino acid foundation, it excels at removing build-up and delivering a superb cleanse. If you have congestion-prone skin, don't overlook this cleanser.
2. Diptyque Rhubarbe Candle
It's almost unnecessary to mention that I don’t burn nearly as many candles in the summer as I do in winter. With windows and doors open to let in a gentle breeze, summer candles need to have a significant scent throw, and in my opinion, Diptyque is among the few candle brands that meet that requirement. This latest addition to Diptyque's Classic Candle line is undoubtedly one of the best summer scents I've ever encountered. With fresh, juicy rhubarb at its heart, it evokes an abundant English vegetable garden and has scented every summer gathering I've hosted this season to my guests' delight.
3. Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel
In my view, few brow gels can surpass this one. I've written extensively about Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix, so you likely already know it's one of my all-time favorite brow gels. The brilliance lies in the brush. Instead of a tiny fibrous spoolie, it features a plastic comb that effectively catches every single brow hair for optimal volume and lift. The best part? It doesn’t leave brows with a sticky or laminated appearance. Instead, they look fluffy and naturally elevated.
4. Cowshed Active Bath & Shower Gel
Cowshed has undergone a rebranding, and I couldn't be more excited. I've never encountered a Cowshed product I didn’t like, so when I heard the brand was revamping not just its packaging but also its scents and formulas, I felt apprehensive. After all, Cowshed is one of my favorite brands. However, after trying the entire range, I can confirm the products have somehow improved even more. This Active shower gel (along with the Relax range) is my favorite. With its intensely zesty and spicy kick, it's the kind of shower gel that revitalizes you with just one use—ideal for hot days and intense workout sessions.
5. Jones Road Body Lotion
Don’t be misled by the messaging on this body lotion: it is not a lightweight lotion. Instead, it’s a thick, rich cream that works hard. Its consistency is reminiscent of Nivea in its heaviness. However, with glycerin and squalene, it stands out as one of the most effective body creams I've tried this year. My dry, crepey summer skin was instantly transformed with this product. Plus, it has a delightfully fresh scent.
6. Beauty Pie Healthy Hydration Perfect Moisture Conditioner
In my opinion, Beauty Pie's haircare doesn’t receive the recognition it deserves. This hydration range (of which I used both the shampoo and conditioner) was the perfect everyday hair-washing solution for my fine, long, straight hair. (It’s worth noting that it may not be intense enough for coarser hair types.) It
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As a Beauty Director, here are the 8 products I would choose to repurchase this summer.
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