Trust me as a Beauty Director—if I could only buy 8 products again this summer, these would be the ones I'd choose.

      (Image credit: Lucy Robinson for Who What Wear UK)

      This summer has certainly been hot, but you don't need me to tell you that. As I write this, I have two fans aimed at me, and my Shark Depuffi is stationed on my desk for some cooling cryotherapy breaks. Personally, when summer heatwaves hit, my beauty routine experiences a significant change. This transition often happens unconsciously, and I only recognize how altered my daily routine has become when I review my emptied beauty products at the month's end. July was a prime example of this. While my Empties Edits typically include a balanced mix of makeup, skincare, haircare, fragrances, and candles, this month, every single empty product can be traced back to the sweltering heat we've been enduring. I've been using body creams vigorously, ensuring my shower gels are being put to good use with the three showers I take daily, and focusing on decongesting cleansers to combat sweat accumulation. With more than ten years of experience as a beauty editor and having tested countless products each year, I can confidently say that only the finest products make it into my routine and are used to their last drop. These eight beauty products have been incredibly effective over the past month, so much so that I'm ready to repurchase each one right away. Here’s The Empties Edit for July 2026.

      1. Tatcha The Rice Wash

      I have two cleansers I regard as the best ever. The first is Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip (which I praised in last month's Empties Edit and frequently mention here). The second is Tatcha The Rice Wash. Unlike the gel-like, creamy consistency of Ceramic Slip, this one is a thick cream. Its texture is nearly putty-like, requiring only a small amount, and it lathers into one of the most luxurious and effective cleanses available. It's pH-neutral and contains hyaluronic acid and red algae, which truly nurture and protect your skin's natural moisture barrier, yet it’s also very effective. Thanks to Tatcha's iconic Japanese rice powder and an amino acid base, it excels at removing build-up and offers a truly exceptional cleanse. If you have congestion-prone skin, don't overlook this cleanser.

      2. Diptyque Rhubarbe Candle

      Diptyque Rhubarbe Classic Candle Key notes: Rhubarb, patchouli, carrot seedsIt's hardly surprising that I don’t burn as many candles in the summer as I do in the winter. With windows and doors flung open to welcome a gentle breeze, summer candles must have a strong scent throw, and Diptyque is one of the very few brands whose formulas meet this need. This latest addition to Diptyque’s Classic Candle collection is undeniably one of the best summer scents I've encountered. Featuring fresh, juicy rhubarb at its center, it evokes a bountiful English vegetable garden and has fragranced every summer gathering I've hosted this season—much to the delight of my guests.

      3. Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix Brow Gel

      In my view, brow gels don’t come any better than this. I’ve extolled the virtues of Victoria Beckham Beauty FeatherFix many times, so you likely already know it’s one of my favorite brow gels. The brilliance lies in the brush. Instead of a small fibrous spoolie, it has a plastic comb that really grips every single brow hair for maximum volume and lift. The best part? It doesn’t turn brows into a sticky, laminated mess. Instead, it leaves them looking fluffy and naturally lifted.

      4. Cowshed Active Bath & Shower Gel

      Cowshed has rebranded, and I couldn't be more excited about it. I’ve never encountered a Cowshed product I didn’t like, so I was nervous to learn that the brand was revamping not just its packaging but also its scents and formulas. After trying the entire range, I can honestly say the products somehow improved. This Active shower gel (along with the Relax range) is my favorite among them all. With a zesty, spicy aroma, it's the type of shower gel that revitalizes and invigorates with just one use—perfect for hot days and rigorous workouts.

      5. Jones Road Body Lotion

      Do not be misled by the messaging on this body lotion: it is not a lightweight lotion. It is a thick, rich, and incredibly effective body cream. The consistency is reminiscent of Nivea in its thickness. However, with glycerin and squalene, it is one of the most effective body creams I’ve tried this year. My dry, flaky summer skin was instantly transformed by this product. Plus, it has a wonderfully fresh scent.

      6. Beauty Pie Healthy Hydration Perfect Moisture Conditioner

      In my opinion, Beauty Pie haircare doesn’t receive the appreciation it deserves. This hydration range, which includes both the shampoo and conditioner, was the perfect everyday solution for my fine