Not every month is so iconic that it has its own bop from Earth, Wind & Fire. (Okay, fine — I’m biased as it’s also my birthday month.) But groovy songs aside, September is a solid month all around: Summer changes into fall, back-to-school season kicks into high gear (and no, you’re never too old to get a fresh pack of Sharpies for the occasion), and cozy vibes are all around. There’s also a ton of end-of-season sales, which make it an excellent opportunity to shop — and shop we did.
For our latest installment of MVPs (that’s “Most Valuable Products,” if you’re new around here), we polled R29’s savvy team of shopping editors to divulge the best under-$100 purchases from the past month. While each month always brings new, unlikely favorites (vacuum-sealed storage bags and status laundry detergent are past stars), you can always count on solid finds across fashion, beauty, home, and more. But enough chit-chat — keep clicking for 29 things you’ll want to add to your own cart.
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.
“Three things perturb me about portable chargers: They usually don’t hold their charges very well, nor do they fit in any of my purses — plus I have to carry an unruly cord around just to use them. This on-the-go Anker attachment, however, converted me into a portable charger lover in September. It’s tiny, sleek, and effective. My phone takes about two hours max to get to a full charge, and the lightning connector is so sturdy that I never worry about it falling out. On top of that, it’s lightweight and easy to hold. If you’re like me and always on low power mode while out on the town, spend the $30.” — Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer
Anker Nano Power Bank, $, available at Amazon
“I’m more of a half-zip gal than a hooded sweatshirt or crewneck gal, and I unexpectedly found my new favorite one from Pink. The outside is so plushy and the inside is so fuzzy and warm. I love the Chocolate Kiss shade (and particularly love that there isn’t any logo branding visible on it). It’s cute and casual, and has already become a fall staple for me.” — Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Pink Premium Fleece Half-Zip Sweatshirt, $, available at Victoria’s Secret
“I’ve owned my Apple Watch for a few years now, but I love to keep things fresh by switching up the band from time to time. I recently found this resin-acetate one on Amazon, and it’s a near dupe for my favorite bands from Machete. (I own a few, but they are a bit pricey!) I also like how the hardware on this budget option actually matches the champagne-metal case color of the face — and it even came with everything you need to remove links for a perfect fit.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
Pleixiu Lightweight Resin Apple Watch Band 38mm 40mm 41mm, $, available at Amazon
“This lip gloss has been my new secret weapon for achieving the no-makeup makeup look. It’s just as moisturizing as a tinted lip balm but dresses up my lips with a shiny, lip smacker-like coat. I love the color, Heart, which is similar to the natural tint of my lips but in a slightly more enhanced, Y2K-inspired pink.” — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
bareMinerals Mineralist Lip Gloss-Balm, $, available at Ulta
“Ballet flats are back, but I’m acutely aware that wearing any shoes all day without socks is more than a little gross. These Vivaia flats are really stylish, comfortable, lightweight, and sustainably made, but more importantly to me than all of that, I can toss them in the washing machine so I don’t smell like I live in a trash can.” — Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director
Vivaia Lightweight Pointed-Ballet Flats, $, available at Vivaia
“Dare I say I met the duvet cover of my dream? Quince combined my love for silky soft blankets and checked prints into a clean, crisp windowpane duvet cover. The buttery soft sateen bedding is luxurious to the touch and is so cooling when you get into bed after a long day. My husband loves it too and cannot stop raving about how snuggly it is. Another bonus is that the duvet cover doesn’t get wrinkly after washing it like most ones.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
Quince Luxury Organic Sateen Duvet Cover, $, available at Quince
“My hair has been bleached, ironed, curled, pulled, and essentially abused for the last three decades, and it shows. The only thing that has even remotely worked to give my poor tortured hair a break is this leave-in mask from K18. It’s SO quenching without being oily or heavy, and after only four shampoos, I can actively see my fried strands coming back to life and finding their natural texture again. — Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Wellness Content Producer/Writer
K18 K18 Leave In Molecular Repair Mask, $, available at Sephora
“I spent the last couple of days traveling in sunny LA (and managed to get through a heatwave), and the only suncare product I brought with me is this trusty Japanese suncare milk. It’s on the higher end of the scale price-wise but is worth every penny. The formula is matte and super lightweight and doesn’t make my skin break out or leave a white cast on my face. My skin never burns when I have this on, thanks to the high SPF factor and PA levels that guard both UVA and UVB rays. It has been my favorite sunscreen for almost a decade now. Trust me, try this out and you’ll never go back.” — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skin Care Milk, $, available at Amazon
“I already knew my dog’s fur was full of secrets — but now I know why. To celebrate October 3rd, I gifted my sweet Miso his very own Burn Book earlier this month. While you can’t currently buy the iconic tome à la carte, it comes free with any BarkBox subscription for a limited time. I think it’s safe to say that he’s definitely made ‘fetch’ happen.” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
BARK Burn Book, $, available at Barkshop
“As someone with a longer torso than legs, I thought maxi skirts would never work on me. However, Abercrombie & Fitch’s Denim Column Maxi Skirt changed my mind. The skirt doesn’t engulf my body and is fun to wear when it’s cold, but I don’t want to shimmy into jeans. The maxi hits a little above my ankle, and unlike other heavy denim skirts, it’s lightweight.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
Abercrombie & Fitch Denim Column Maxi Skirt, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
“It’s officially sad indie folk season, and it’s also light all the candles, listen to sad guitar sounds all night, and stay cozy season. At the top of my roster is my 2023 obsession — this man can sing sweet nothings about Vermont winters to me all night long. (Perhaps surprisingly, it doesn’t feel too far removed from grey, drizzly London where I live.) It’s rather old school, but I like buying and listening to new favorites on CD as it’s another way to stay off my phone and minimize screen time.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
Noah Kahan Stick Season, $, available at Amazon
“I am not a makeup girly, but I absolutely trust Westman Atelier with my life (and skin). In my 33 years on earth, I’ve never purchased a foundation, but I’ve been looking for a little something to even out my complexion when I attend weddings and evening work/life events. When I’m not wearing a tinted SPF during the day, I’ve been loving these complexion drops by Westman Atelier. The consistency is quite liquidy, but a little goes a long way and gives a really pretty and natural light coverage when I blend it out with the brand’s Blender Brush, it melts so well on top of my moisturizer, and my makeup sits really nicely on top of it.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops, $, available at Sephora
“At 35, I finally have my dream vanity set up, which means it can’t just be functional — it also has to look pretty. As a makeup girlie who has extreme product overload, I love the idea of neatly tucking everything away and keeping the surface clear, but my pre-caffeinated self doesn’t have the time or patience to rifle through every drawer to find everything I need for my daily lewk. Instead, my go-to products end up strewn across my vanity, totally ruining my organized vibe. This organizer makes me feel like my setup is still Pinterest-worthy, while effortlessly containing everything I need to get ready in the morning. Plus, how cute is the trim?” — Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Wellness Content Producer/Writer
ZHIAI Makeup Organizer Acrylic Cosmetic Storage Drawers, $, available at Amazon
“I bought a version of this bag in blue last year and have literally used it every day since. It’s one of those deceptively big crossbodies that holds all the essentials without being bulky. Since my blue purse is hitting its one-year mark, I wanted to upgrade to something for the winter months that feels a bit more richer in tone. I like the texture of the woven version of the bag, and the green that feels a bit darker (but still plenty bright!). I haven’t used the new one that much but the size is identical to my trusty blue one, which I kept stuffed with a guidebook, wallet, phone, sunglasses, and lip balm in Japan earlier this year. For my normal life, I can fit all that (minus the guidebook) plus car keys and AirPods and, if I want to really Tetris it all in there, my Kindle.” — Marshall Bright, Affiliate Editor
Quince Italian Leather Handwoven Crossbody, $, available at Quince
“I love a good bowl. I actually feel like everyone has a bowl soulmate out there that will change their lives. Mine happens to be Year & Day’s terracotta dish. I have a set of four and they’re sturdy (may or may not occasionally clunk them too hard in the sink), easy to clean, and spacious. And the best part? They don’t make that piercing scrape sound when I use my stainless steel flatware. Score this set and your salads, rice bowls, and takeout will thank you.” — Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer
Year & Day Big Bowls, $, available at Year & Day
“If you’re searching for a new lounge set, look no further. I found my snuggly crew neck and jogger set from Summersalt, and I’m proud to declare that it’s the only one I’ll be wearing this cozy season. I chose the dark chocolate hue to exude a cuddly teddy bear, and I’m obsessed. The super soft velour emits a chic retro flair. I’ve worn it from the bed to go on errands, to pick up packages downstairs, and as my permanent WFH uniform. The slightly oversized fit and stretchy elastic bottoms are a must-have within your lounge collection.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
Summersalt The Plush Velour Relaxed Crew, $, available at Summersalt
Summersalt The Plush Velour Jogger, $, available at Summersalt
I recently started using this pleather pencil case as a travel wallet, and it has quickly become a packing essential: it’s very lightweight but roomy and flat enough to keep my passports, keys, spare change, and beauty essentials in one place. I’m so forgetful that it really helps to have everything in one grab-and-go pouch. True to Papier’s branding, the colorblock design (it’s lavender on the other side) is so eye-catching and chic, and I love that it says “Artist’s Tools” on the cover.” — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
Papier Palette Pencil Case, $, available at Papier
“Aritzia is one of my favorite brands to shop for mini skirts — I own four. I find all of them to be at a comfortable length to sit and freely move about in. My latest one is the Olive Micro Pleated Skirt in heather medium grey. It’s high-waisted, made from recycled materials for a smooth finish, and has a pretty A-line flare.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
Aritzia Olive Micro Pleated Skirt, $, available at Aritzia
“The quality of this shirt is top-tier. The fabric is sturdy and structural like classic menswear, and the deep brown colorway is just as rich in person (even after a wash). I bought it over the summer and it is slowly becoming a staple in my wardrobe — whenever I want to elevate a casual outfit, I bust out this Zara gem. Just make sure to size up, especially if you have a larger bust.” — Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer
Zara Striped Crop Shirt with Necktie, $, available at Zara
“As an active tea drinker, I tend to rely on my Fellow tea kettle, while my coffee-drinking husband gravitates towards our Keurig. However, my husband found me these ones for tea. From Great Origin’s Jasmine Tea K-Cup Pods has become my favorite because of its subtle sweet taste and green tea goodness. It brews the perfect amount for me, and I love how I don’t have to throw away the tea bags or have loose leaves floating around.” — Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
From Great Origins Organic Jasmine Tea K-Cup Pods, $, available at Amazon
“Cold weather is almost here, which means my skin is soon going to need some extra TLC. If you’re in the market for a luxurious body lotion with an unoffensive scent — and a beautiful bottle that you won’t mind keeping out on your counter — this is the cream for you. I love the way the scent is slightly citrusy and clean smelling without being overly perfume-y, and the product itself is super rich but seeps into the skin really nicely without leaving a greasy residue.” — Kate Spencer, Senior Affiliate Partnerships Manager
Grown Alchemist Body Cream, $, available at Grown Alchemist
“If you were obsessed with those little gelatin capsule sponge toys as a kid, I can all but guarantee you’ll love The Skinsheet like I do. I’ve been bringing these along whenever I’m away from home overnight, and I’m pretty obsessed: you just add a little water, they unfold into a 10 x 10-inch single-use washcloth, and are great for gently exfoliating and removing makeup without taking up much space in your makeup bag, with the whole stack measuring about the same size as a roll of quarters.” — Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director
The Skinsheet The Cleansing Coins, $, available at Joanna Czech
“The search for my dream white tee is finally over: this Pima cotton T-shirt from Buck Mason is super well-made and feels so gentle on the skin. The fit and neckline design are pretty much perfect: not too loose or revealing, but not so high that it feels restrictive. The fabric is breathable without looking see-through, like a soft T-shirt that has been worn and laundered many times over. I have been wearing it with my favorite sweater vests and it’s basically been my go-to fall fashion combo.” — Venus Wong, Senior Travel Writer
Buck Mason White Pima Boxy Crew, $, available at Buck Mason
The second I hear a celebrity is attached to a brand, I’m immediately skeptical, but I will say that I’ve been very into Cameron Diaz’s wine line, Avaline, as of late, especially its new Pinot Noir. It’s pretty inexpensive, it’s not acidic, the bottles are nicely designed, and everyone I’ve given it to as a gift — many of my admittedly wine-snobby friends included — have really enjoyed it. I’m also incredibly particular about any type of sparkling wine and I find the brand’s bubbly really delicious — tiny little bubbles, not sweet, and certainly better for my bank account balance than most of the bougie sparkling wines I usually like.” — Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director
Avaline Pinot Noir, $, available at Avaline
“I can be a bit clumsy with my phone and have dropped it more times than I’d like to admit. I’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with Popsockets, but I have recently welcomed them back into my life with the recent Pokémon collab. Unless you have the funds to gotta catch ’em all, I’m going with my day-one favorite: Eevee, who looks so happy floating on this majestic cloud, no?” — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Writer
PopSockets Pokémon – Eevee PopOut, $, available at PopSockets
“I’ve officially hit my two-year mark with Nuuly, and I don’t foresee myself quitting any time soon. For under $100, I can swap out six clothing items in my wardrobe every month, which I’ve found is the best low-cost way to try out a seasonal fashion trend without participating in fast fashion. My fave rental this month? A mod-inspired plaid mini dress from Lisa Says Gah, which made me feel like I stepped out of an episode of Mad Men.” — Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Wellness Content Producer/Writer
Nuuly Nuuly Monthly Clothing Rental, $, available at Nuuly
“Lush’s yummy combination of date syrup, vanilla, and sweet sandalwood is transforming my autumn morning routine. Now I don’t hate getting up in the encroaching dark so much and my showers feel so much more luxe.” — Esther Newman, Affiliate Writer & Content Producer
Lush Sticky Dates Shower Gel, $, available at Lush
“Where are my fellow Sanrio fans? Forever21’s Hello Kitty collaboration made my eyes sparkle in September — specifically, this Kuromi necklace. It pairs well with so many of my outfits, and the length is super customizable because of its chain. On some days it’s a choker, other days it swings past my collarbone. I deem it the perfect affordable gift for a Kuromi-obsessed friend or simply a joyous addition to jewelry boxes everywhere.” — Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer
Forever21 Kuromi Rhinestone Necklace, $, available at Forever21
“I don’t mean to body shame myself here, but I’m relatively certain my scalp is generally about 24 hours away from being classified as a Superfund site on any given day. A friend of mine recommended this Sumac Scalp Scrub from Joon Haircare and I’m hooked. It smells deliciously minty, it exfoliates my scalp well enough that it’s neither oily nor flaky anymore (I typically use it once or twice a week), and the exfoliant is fine enough that it washes out super easily and doesn’t ever leave me wondering when I tossed a handful of sand into my hair.” — Sarah Crow, Affiliate Director
Joon Haircare Sumac Scalp Scrub and Exfoliating Shampoo, $, available at Joon Haircare
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