Here at NBC Select, there’s a lot of things on our mind in August: the last hurrah of summer, fighting increasing temperatures and mentally preparing for the fall season. This month, we’ve covered an array of back-to-school sales, launched a podcast about how to survive the summer, and debunked some recent TikTok-viral skin care trends like onion shampoos, face wraps and salmon sperm facial. And though our readers were also interested in beating the heat by purchasing a ton of personal fans, their purchases this month were mostly aimed toward personal care — readers invested in body wipes, lip balms, pore strips and nail serums to round out their beauty routines.
Read on for a full list of bestsellers NBC Select readers shopped in August.
Related
Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
If you’re on social media, you’ve likely heard of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in the shade Black Honey as a universally flattering tinted lip balm. Or perhaps, your mom or grandma used it 40 years ago when it first came out. Either way, the raving reviews are right — this lipstick, which is the perfect balance between a moisturizing lip balm and a lip gloss, leaves a perfectly shiny finish and sheer tint. I’ve used this lipstick for years, and I have multiple shades in nearly every bag I own.
Learn more: Black Honey lip balm is almost 50% off today — the lowest price it’s been all year
A handheld fan is a must during hot summer days, and this mini option is one of our favorites. It’s around the size of a small body spray, runs at three speeds and comes with a wrist lanyard, so you don’t run the risk of dropping it while you’re out and about. Better yet, it has a flashlight on one end to help you find your keys at the bottom of your bag.
Learn more: These personal fans will keep you cool — even in a heat wave
Back-to-school season is in full swing, which means plenty of readers are stocking up on supplies like notebooks, folders and pencils. This budget-friendly, 24-pack of colorful crayons can help round out your little one’s list.
Learn more: 10+ deals to shop during Target’s Back-to-School-idays Sale
This OPI nail strengthener is a favorite of NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez, who uses it after back-to-back Gel-X manicures to keep her nails healthy. It has maleic acid to strengthen nails, making them more resistant to breakage and giving them less ridges and better color, according to the brand.
Learn more: Kiss your brittle nails goodbye with these expert-recommended nail strengtheners
This mouthwash is a favorite of NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, who likes that the mint flavor leaves her mouth feeling fresh and clean without being too strong. It helps prevent cavities, strengthen enamel and freshen breath, according to the brand. The bottle’s opening also has a built-in dosage cup, which feels up when you squeeze the bottle.
Learn more: The 10 best mouthwashes of 2025, according to dentists
Cetaphil’s body wipes are a gentle option for those with rosacea, eczema or other sensitivities. The wipes have vitamin B5 to soothe irritation and aloe vera to help hydrate your skin, according to the brand. You can use them on both your face and body, too.
Learn more: Are body wipes actually effective at reducing body odor? Here’s what to know
This cleaning spray combines water and plant-based ingredients to reduce smudges and debris from your lenses. It’s free from ammonia and alcohol, and it comes with a microfiber cloth that you can hand wash.
Learn more: How to clean your glasses, according to experts
Yes, you read that right — onion shampoos are a thing. Experts told us onion shampoos help strengthen hair, support a healthy scalp and can even reduce hair thinning and encourage growth (and no, it doesn’t smell like onions). In addition to onion extract, this Mamaearth option has plant keratin to strengthen and vitamin E to nourish the scalp. It’s also free from sulfates, silicones, parabens and mineral oils, which makes it great for sensitive skin, according to the brand.
Learn more: Onion shampoo for hair growth? Yup, it’s a thing
This polish has helped former NBC Select editorial intern Andriana Kourkoumelis grow out her nails and keep them strong and healthy, even after years of biting them. “I’ve seen quicker growth with consistent use on bare nails and under polish,” she says. The brand recommends applying the polish on bare nails twice per day.
Learn more: What are “recession nails,” and why is everyone doing them?
You’ve probably heard of Hero Cosmetics’ viral pimple patches, which are a favorite among our editors. These nose strips from the brand are equally as good, and they don’t harm or irritate your skin like most traditional pore strips. In fact, they’re made from the same gentle ingredient as pimple patches, hydrocolloid gel. The brand recommends using these overnight to gently clear out your pores while you sleep.
Learn more: The best at-home blackhead treatments, according to dermatologists
White sneakers are notoriously hard to keep clean, so you can use this water-based, stain-repellent spray to help. It helps block out water and dirt, and it’s safe to use on leather, suede, mesh, canvas and nubuck materials, according to the brand. You simply spray it on the surface of your shoes, then let the solution dry and set.
Learn more: How to keep white sneakers clean — and not be afraid of wearing them in the future
If you’re looking to up your onion shampoo game, this set comes with a shampoo and a leave-in conditioning treatment, both of which have onion extract. It’s gentle enough for daily use, and it has rosemary to strengthen hair and biotin for shine.
Learn more: Onion shampoo for hair growth? Yup, it’s a thing
This filtered showerhead regularly comes up on our bestsellers list, and we’re not surprised; it has a built-in filtration system that purifies the water before it hits your body, which benefits both your hair and skin. Malin loves this Jolie option and notices that her skin is less dry and her hair is softer after over a year of using it. Jolie also makes managing filter subscription online easy, with options to skip or delay a filter delivery when needed.
Learn more: The best filtered showerheads of 2025, tested and reviewed
Related
I’m an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered a variety of shopping categories, including beauty and pets, since 2021. For this article, I compiled a list of the top 13 bestselling products among our NBC Select readers during the month of August.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
