July reader favorites: Face masks, sunscreen and more

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July didn't see many shopping or sales events this year. Amazon moved its annual Prime Day sale to June this year, the earliest it’s ever been. This both diminished the normal onslaught of July 4 sales normally alive early in the month and also meant July wouldn't host Prime Day itself, which Amazon held in July since creating it in 2015. July did see some notable launches, however, like the new Keurig Wi-Fi-enabled coffee maker and Bearaby's new Travel Napper.

From the long July 4 holiday weekend to summer getaways, July is a time to relax and celebrate under the sun, so we explored how you could elevate your time outdoors with s’mores, fiction beach reads, homemade iced tea and more. Staying safe in that sun and heat is equally important, of course, so we asked medical experts about sunburn relief and chafing prevention. On July 27, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended indoor mask use in areas where Covid cases are still high — in turn, we reported what this will mean for kids as they return to school in the fall.

Throughout the month, we saw Shopping reader interest in everything from face masks and sunscreens to travel pillows and acne scar treatments. Here are 12 of the most purchased items readers chose in July.

Related: New guidance from the CDC recommends students and teachers wear masks indoors at school, regardless of vaccination status.

1. WWDOLL KN95 Face Masks (in stock soon)

• 4.6-star average rating from 33,919 reviews on Amazon

• 7 best KN95 face masks and where to buy them online

WWDOLL KN95 Face Masks - 25 Pack

WWDOLL KN95 Face Masks - 25 Pack $39.74 at Amazon

2. Banana Boat Ultra Sport Performance Sunscreen Spray

• 4.7-star average rating from 5,149 reviews on Amazon

• Spray sunscreen 101: How to use and shop for spray sunscreens

Banana Boat Ultra Sport Performance Sunscreen Spray SPF 100

• Banana Boat Ultra Sport Performance Sunscreen Spray SPF 100 $9.97 at Walmart

• Banana Boat Ultra Sport Performance Sunscreen Spray SPF 100 $9.99 at Target

• Banana Boat Ultra Sport Performance Sunscreen Spray SPF 100 $9.67 at Amazon

3. VIDA Kids KN95 Mask

• 5-star average rating from 26 reviews on Vida

• How to choose the best kids KN95 mask, according to experts

VIDA Kids KN95 Mask

VIDA Kids KN95 Mask $35.00 at VIDA

4. Clear CDC Vaccination Card Protector

• 4.8-star average rating from 1,430 reviews on Amazon

• Keep your CDC vaccine card safe with these vaccination card holders

Clear CDC Vaccination Card Protector - 10 Pack

Clear CDC Vaccination Card Protector - 10 Pack $8.99 at Amazon

5. Differin Gel Adapalene Gel

• 4.5-star average rating from 32,617 reviews on Amazon

• 5 best acne scar treatments of 2021: How to treat acne scars

Differin Gel Adapalene Gel

• Differin Gel Adapalene Gel $12.26 at Walmart

• Differin Gel Adapalene Gel $12.29 at Target

• Differin Gel Adapalene Gel $12.26 at Amazon

6. The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler & Fortifying Spray

• 4.5-star average rating from 30,558 reviews on Amazon

• 12 best leave-in conditioners, according to hair experts

The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler & Fortifying Spray

• The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler & Fortifying Spray $5.99 at Target

• The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler & Fortifying Spray $5.99 at Amazon

• The Honest Company Conditioning Detangler & Fortifying Spray $8.36 at Walmart

7. Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

• 4.6-star average rating from 292,402 reviews on Amazon

• Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer Brush: What to know

Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer

• Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer $41.99 at Amazon

• Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer $53.68 at Walmart

• Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer $50.99 at Kohl's

8. Trtl Original Pillow

• 4.1-star average rating from 26,968 reviews on Amazon

• Trtl's travel pillows are on sale on Amazon today only

Trtl Original Pillow

• Trtl Original Pillow $29.99 at Amazon

• Trtl Original Pillow $29.99 at Trtl

9. Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55

• 4.6-star average rating from 13,426 reviews on Amazon

• 11 best sunscreens for acne-prone skin in 2021

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55

• Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55 $10.97 at Walmart

• Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55 $10.97 at Amazon

• Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen SPF 55 $14.49 at CVS

10. Wahl Elite Pro Model 79300 Corded Clipper

• 4.6-star average rating from 13,688 reviews on Amazon

• 6 best hair clippers of 2021, according to experts

Wahl Elite Pro Model 79300 Corded Clipper

• Wahl Elite Pro Model 79300 Corded Clipper $34.99 at Amazon

• Wahl Elite Pro Model 79300 Corded Clipper $33.79 at Kohl's

• Wahl Elite Pro Model 79300 Corded Clipper $45.00 at Walmart

11. GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight

• 4.7-star average rating from 49,968 reviews on Amazon

• 8 best emergency flashlights in 2021 for inclement weather

GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight - 2 Pack

• GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight - 2 Pack $17.99 at Amazon

• GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight - 2 Pack $20.80 at Walmart

• GearLight LED Tactical Flashlight - 2 Pack $16.99 at ebay

12. Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3

• 4.6-star average rating from 86,833 reviews on Amazon

• Best hair products for bleached hair, from Olaplex to Ouai oil

Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3

• Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 $28.00 at Dermstore

• Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 $28.00 at Sephora

• Olaplex Hair Perfector No. 3 $28.00 at Amazon

Related: MD-recommended shampoos and top-rated options for dry, sensitive skin, for curls, for dandruff and for other hair types and needs.

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