April showers bring May flowers, but in the world of e-commerce, this springy month carries a flurry of wacky worthwhile finds along with it. If asked to describe the last 30 days in as little as three words, based on our anonymous shopping archives, we’d say unconventional, spicy, and…glamorous. $14 mop slippers made readers swoon, flavor-blasted hot sauces flew off virtual shelves, and luxury botanical serums were sent to mom as we inched closer to Mother’s Day (May 8 for our forgetful folk).
Although if anyone is to blame, its us — from Theraguns for your face to vulva-approved ball trimmers, the Shopping team took full advantage of the internet’s never-ending caverns via in depth tried-and-true reviews. And, just as we though things were winding down, the mega furniture retailer, Wayfair, closed out the month with its biggest sale event of the year: Way Day 2022. Read on as we delve into the reader best-sellers from the month of April and reflect on how kooky our jobs really are, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
PACT Classic Fit Bikini
PACT’s sustainable undies are so good, they made our Senior Affiliate Director, Elizabeth Buxton, officially reconsider her commando lifestyle. Blame it on the breathable organic cotton, barely-there feel, or those stylish colorways — but, these panties are a bonafide best-seller and deserving of a top spot in this month’s most wanted.
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PACT Classic Fit Bikini, $, available at PACT
Violette_fr Petal Bouche Matte
This bold liquid lipstick took the best-seller main stage back in February after five members of the shopping team flaunted its romantic French charms. Now, it’s back in the spotlight after a long-awaited restock in April — it is the second-ever sell out product from the famed beauty brand, and the Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants of red hues (in short, it looks fabulous on many a skin color).
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Violette_Fr Petal Bouche Matte Cœur Infidèle, $, available at Violette_Fr
Unbound Jolt Gel
While Dame’s insanely popular Arousal Serum takes a sultry, seductive approach, the glitzy, glam, and daring sexual wellness company, Unbound, loves an electrifying angle. The back-in-stock Jolt Gel features safe organic extracts, tingly peppermint oil, natural damiana, and more buzzy ingredients that induce warm, thrilling sensations. Plus, it’s water-based so feel free to bust out your favorite sex toys and revel in, as one on-site reviewer puts it, the “extra pizzazz.”
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Unbound Jolt Gel, $, available at Unbound
Better Love Mini Zip Clitoral Stimulator
Speaking of sex toys the always-on-sale sexual wellness brand, Better Love, never fails to make itself at home at the tippy top of our ranks. This month, the compact, travel-friendly Mini Zip took first place — add one to your nightstand and enjoy orgasmic clitoral stimulation in the palm of your hand, literally.
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Better Love Mini Zip Clitoral Stimulator, $, available at Ella Paradis
Adidas ADIZERO X ALLBIRDS 2.94 KG CO2E
The shoe crossover collab we never knew we needed took place last month. Allbirds and Adidas merged cinematic universes to create a big-impact sneaker with a tiny carbon footprint. Our Beauty & Wellness
writer, Karina Hoshikawa, tried a pair on for size and applauded their “airy and lightweight” feel.
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Adidas ADIZERO X ALLBIRDS 2.94 KG CO2E, $, available at Adidas
Bona Fide Masks Pink KN95 Respirator Face Mask
We need not explain the necessity that is the KN95, but we will divulge Refinery29 readers’ brand of choice: Bona Fide Masks. Perhaps its the vibrant pink colorway or the extensive trustworthy information provided on-site — regardless, in hot-pink Bona Fide Masks KN95’s we trust.
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Powecom Pink KN95 Respirator Face Mask, $, available at Bona Fide Masks
Wowsucculents Acrylic Glass Bag Vase
ICYMI, the Parisian ready-to-wear fashion brand, Coperni, sparked the anxiety-inducing glass bag trend after its fall 2022 runway back in March. Since then, just as Miranda Priesly explains in A Devil Wears Prada, the trend has trickled down and is available at everyday retailers — i.e. this best-selling Acrylic Glass Bag Vase available now on Etsy.
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wowsucculents Acrylic Glass Bag Vase, $, available at Etsy
Therabody TheraFace PRO
Yes, it’s $400, but per our Beauty & Wellness writer’s informative review, Therabody (makers of the infamous Theragun) crafted a best-selling massage tool that “might get you the best value given its myriad capabilities.”
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Therabody TheraFace PRO, $, available at Therabody
Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
If May is all about Mother’s Day, then April is home to Mother’s Day shopping. And, many readers make room in their budgets to spend a justifiable pretty penny on mom. Hence, Vintner’s Daughter’s beloved nutrient-rich serum sold quite well from our luxury Mother’s Day gifts round up and will be moisturizing many mothers’ complexions for days to come.
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Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum, $, available at Violet Grey
Mercer41 Marny Wide Velvet Round Storage Ottoman With Storage
Dare we forget to mention Wayfair’s biggest sale event of the year took place in April. We scoured the website for those 48-hours and plucked everything from reader-favorites to outdoor furniture must-haves, editors’ picks and the like — in which, Mercer41’s luxe-yet-functional Velvet Round Storage Ottoman received the most sales.
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Mercer41 Marny 13” Wide Velvet Round Storage Ottoman with Stora, $, available at Wayfair
Bloomscape Lavender Tree
The phrase “flowers are a girl’s best friend” is on its way out and this top-rated lavender tree is major proof. It championed over numerous bouquets featured in our ultimate Mother’s Day gift guide and after scoping its long list of lovely attributes (aromatic leaves, unique appearance, everlasting blooms, etc,), we understand.
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Bloomscape Lavender Tree, $, available at Bloomscape
Girlfriend Collective Banana Powell One Shoulder Bikini Top
Quality, eco-conscious, and vibrant apparel brand, Girlfriend Collective overhauled its previous swimwear collection with a customer-vetted approach. Last year’s launch featured eight new styles and this year’s added 13 size-inclusive designs into the mix. Get it while it and the weather’s hot!
Girlfriend Collective Banana Powell One Shoulder Bikini Top, $, available at Girlfriend Collective
Zipcode Design Ottoman/Coffee Table Tray
Wayfair’s best known for its affordable assortment of office chairs, bedding essentials, loveseats, and more — but we think its decor section is heavily slept on. This tray may seem like a frivolous buy, but according to one of 253 five star reviews, it’s “the perfect size to keep assorted TV ‘motes and books neat on the coffee table.” Plus, it was another top-bought item from our trendy Editors’ Picks round up.
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Zipcode Design Ottoman/Coffee Table Tray, $, available at Wayfair
Plenty By Tracy Printed Halter Maxi Dress
Refinery29 readers were completely woo’d by this Anthropologie maxi dress — we personally think its perfect for golden hours, sunsets, and frolicking in spring meadows.
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Plenty by Tracy Reese Printed Halter Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Lululemon Blissfeel Running Shoe
We’re not fond of repeats, but Lululemon’s readers’ still can’t get enough of the retailer’s debut running shoe. In March, we predicted it’d be an “automatic reader favorite” and, not to toot our own horns, but apparently we were correct.
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Lululemon Blissfeel Running Shoe, $, available at Lululemon
Everlane The Dream Pant
For those who like a put-together look at the airport — because hey, you never know when you’re destined for a meet-cute — Everlane’s 58% cotton, 38% modal, and 4% elastane Dream Pant is a major go-to. Prepare for the ultimate win-win: a sweatpants feel with a professional look.
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Everlane The Dream Pant, $, available at Everlane
Lulus Flawless Attitude Asymmetrical Cutout Midi Dress
Call it a stretch, but nothing says summer like an interesting cut out. Why? Only in the warmest of weather can one show off the flattering silhouette of Lulus’ top-rated midi dress without the shackles of a concealing winter jacket.
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Lulus Flawless Attitude Asymmetrical Cutout Midi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Andover Mills Mirabal Microfiber Sheet Set
As I once tested a popular microfiber sheet set from Amazon, I can attest to cozy softness of the fabric. Another great option is none other than Wayfair’s 79% off $25 dollar set that apparently did not get the memo that Way Day is long gone.
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Andover Mills Mirabal Microfiber Sheet Set, $, available at Wayfair
Calpak Stevyn Duffel
Summer travel doesn’t always mean suitcase. Sometimes all you need is a chic, roomy travel bag to accompany you on your greatest adventures. If you’re looking for a durable and stylish bag buddy, checkout Calpak’s multi-faceted polyester duffel.
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Calpak Stevyn Duffel, $, available at Calpak
PRIMA Beyond Body Oil
We pegged it “dewy summer skin in a bottle,” PRIMA called it “Age-Defying,” and on-site reviewer, Hannah H., declared it her, “new go-to.” In conclusion, this CBD Hemp ultra-concentrated body oil is a warm-weather must-have. For all the nourishing, extra-moisturizing deets, check out Karina Hoshikawa’s glowing review.
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PRIMA Beyond Body Oil | 600mg CBD Age-Defying, Lightweight, Nourishing, Nutrient-Dense, $, available at Prima
Meridian Grooming The Trimmer
Yes, the rumors are true — I took an electronic depilatory device designed for use on the scrotum to my mons-pubis and had a ball. Let’s just say I’ll be smooth sailing all summer long and it’s worth the $75 investment.
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Meridian Grooming The Trimmer, $, available at Meridian Grooming
Zesti Freshly Grated Parm Garlic Savory Cheesy Hot Sauce
If there’s one thing we gained from our Freelance writer, Jinnie Lee’s, hot sauce review, some, or in this case many Refinery29 readers like it hot. The all-thing-seasoning retailer concocts “freaky” fun flavors using real food ingredients (as opposed to chemicals) and provides the for all you spicy masochists out there.
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Zesti Freshly Grated Parm Garlic Savory & Cheesy Hot Sauce, $, available at Zesti
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
Despite her natural beauty, our Managing Editor, Emily Ruane, wins the Shopping team award for Most Non-Existent Skincare Routine. So, of course, we made her put over $1,000 of luxury science-backed skincare to the test. Needless to say, we were blinded by her illustrious after three weeks of use and the products are worthy of their hefty high price tags.
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Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (50ml), $, available at Augustinus Bader
Mosaic Foods Mac & Greens
Top-bought meal delivery service of the month goes to plant-based, chef-founded retailer, Mosaic Foods. Our freelancer and self-proclaimed “non-cooking vegetarian” Jinnie Lee put some dishes to the test. To put it simply, by the end of her experiment, “there wasn’t a single meal I didn’t enjoy immensely.”
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Mosaic Foods Mac & Greens, $, available at Mosaic Foods
Bachan’s Yuzu Japanese Barbecue Sauce
There’s a common thread in this year’s April best-sellers: spice. From the flavor-blasted hot sauce to the plant-based mac n’ greens, and now our Beauty writer’s “best sauce to ever sauce.” If you need some sweetness, savory flavors, and a hint of citrus in your life, Bachan’s Yuzu infused condiment is worth adding to your next Amazon haul.
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Bachan’s Yuzu Japanese Barbecue Sauce, $, available at Amazon
Cosywell Mop Slippers Shoes Cover (5 Pairs)
Quite frankly, if the innovation of slippers that mop the floor as you walk went unnoticed by our readers, we wouldn’t know what to know. But thankfully, after one kooky review, they couldn’t get enough.
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Cosywell Mop Slippers Shoes Cover 5 Pairs, $, available at Amazon
Pristine Bamboo Bath Caddy Tray
Pristine Bamboo’s bath caddy is a long time Mother’s Day gift staple, bath time game-changer, and an inch above the rest in our bath caddy Hype Machine.
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Pristine Bamboo Bath Caddy Tray for Tub, $, available at Amazon
Dedcool Milk Layering Fragrance Enhancer
The fragrance experts over at Dedcool no exactly what their doing. First, the retailer’s bougie, upscale laundry detergent sold like hotcakes and now you can now apply those “musky and fresh notes” to your epidermis. Extra, extra read all about it in our Deals writer’s deeply descriptive review.
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DedCool Milk Layering + Fragrance Enhancer, $, available at Dedcool
Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Toner
As an everlasting supporter of Heritage Store’s hippy down-to-earth skin care products, I had to sing my praises to the masses. Out of all of the retailer’s products, this $12 toner specifically claimed a perpetual spot in my beauty bag thanks to its moisturizing humectants, natural ingredients, and pH balancing properties.
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Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Toner, $, available at Ulta
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