Summer is in full swing, and June’s favourites show us that, before the record-breaking heatwave that covered a lot of the UK, you were embracing the season with gusto.
Some of you updated your summer wardrobe with short shorts or chic sandals. Others topped up on SPF or bought gardening gloves, suggesting lots of time spent outdoors. Meanwhile, the popularity of this card game and travel hairdryer suggests many of you are off on your hols. From spicy condiments to breathable pyjamas, here’s everything you loved in June.
The Filter’s favourite toothbrush
Laifen Wave Pro toothbrush
Our teeth-brushing pro Alan Martin put some more of the best toothbrushes on the market to the test, and found a new favourite: the Laifen Wave Pro. Its use of sonic and oscillating movements to dislodge plaque impressed Alan enough to give it the top spot, and impressed all of you enough to make it the most bought product in June.
The breathable hybrid mattress
Otty original hybrid mattress, double
“A firm but cosy and supremely comfortable mattress that helped me sleep fantastically from the first night of testing,” writes Jane Hoskyn of Otty’s hybrid offering, which came out on top in her test of the best mattresses. And with plenty of summer left, you’ll be pleased to know “the surface felt breathable and cooled down faster than most other hybrids in heat-retention tests”. You can currently get 10% off with the code THEFILTER10 (until 5 July).
The travel hairdryer
Dyson Supersonic Travel
Heading away on holiday? Don’t settle for a lousy hotel hairdryer. Dyson’s new model is “a smaller, lighter, travel-friendly dryer offering the same powerful airflow and heat-control technology as its full-size sibling,” says Lise Smith in her Dyson Supersonic Travel review.
The durable gardening gloves
Donkey gloves
“No DIY job is undertaken in my house without wearing Donkey gloves,” says Charlie Allenby in his Father’s Day gift guide. Many of you loved these protective but comfortable gloves, which will no doubt help you tackle some gardening.
A dress fit for a wedding
Chocolate dropped-waist midi dress
Ellie Violet Bramley’s helpful guide to wedding guest dressing is full of outfit inspo. Ellie suggests “hav[ing] fun with unexpected, ‘unwedding-y’ colours, such as brown or leopard print”. You particularly loved this affordable dropped-waist number.
The budget SPF
E45 sensitive sun face cream SPF50
With temperatures soaring recently, it’s never been more important to keep your SPF topped up. If you need a refill, this was Sarah Matthews’ favourite budget option in her review of the best face SPFs. “As well as offering SPF50+ and UVA protection, it has all the hallmarks of a good protective moisturiser. Shea butter softens, glycerine and hyaluronic acid hydrate, and squalane and antioxidant vitamin E protect the skin barrier,” she says.
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The chic summer sandals
John Lewis x Rejina Pyo mesh sandals
“A gem from John Lewis’s excellent ongoing collaboration with London fashion fave, Rejina Pyo,” says Jess Cartner-Morley in her 52 women’s summer fashion updates. These versatile sandals are perfect for the poolside, but also wouldn’t look out of place at dinner.
The hack for reducing screen time
The Brick app blocker
When Alan realised he was spending eight hours a week browsing Instagram and Reddit, he set out to find a solution to his mindless scrolling. “The trick that worked best for me was Brick,” he says: a small magnetic square that locks certain apps when you tap your phone to it. “To regain access, you have to physically get up and unlock your problem apps with another touch – which is just enough of a pain to make you reassess your priorities.”
The seriously tasty condiment
White Mausu peanut rāyu, 240g
“White Mausu’s peanut rāyu blows the socks off of any other condiment,” says Charlie in his Father’s Day gift guide. His rave review prompted many of you to try it out. Charlie recommends “spiking peanut butter on toast with it”.
The summer jammies
Chelsea Peers cheesecloth pyjamas
These are “PJs so swanky you may not need to get dressed,” says Jess in her 52 women’s summer fashion updates. Cheesecloth is highly breathable for hot nights, and we love the little embroidered sun.
Short shorts that aren’t too short
Adidas Sprinter shorts
“Shorts, unsurprisingly, are a menswear staple this summer,” says Peter Bevan in his 50 men’s summer wardrobe updates. He recommends going for mid-thigh length, like this pair from Adidas. “Sure, they’re still high, but not so high you’ll be arrested for public indecency,” he says.
An on-the-go game
Catan On the Road card game
This card-based travel version of Catan means you can enjoy the popular game on the go. “Recreate all the original’s fun without a physical board (and in a fraction of the time),” says Charlie in his Father’s Day gift guide. Ideal for taking on holiday or playing in the park.