TQE Presents Matchmaker: Your Personal Shopping Advice Column

Reader:  SOS – I need something to keep mosquitos away from my patio this summer.

‍Remi: There is no buzzkill (pun certainly intended) like having to spend a lovely dinner outside swatting away mosquitos. Keeping bugs away can feel impossible, especially if you live somewhere with lots of lush grass and stagnant water like ponds and lakes. While it’s inevitable that they’ll be around, we have some products that should keep them far far away from your patio. First off, spray yourself. Kinfield’s Golden Hour Bugspray ($22) uses Indonesian citronella – a scent mosquitos despise – to keep mosquitos away. The clean formula doesn’t have the usual toxic bug spray smell, it actually has notes of yummy stuff like lemongrass and vanilla. Not only does it work well, but it smells so good you’ll actually want to spritz it on.

For serious mosquito protection, TQE co-founder Lee Joselowitz recommends the Thermacell Mosquito Repeller ($50). This gadget diffuses mosquito repellent into the air up to 20 feet away from where you place it, so you’re able to create a whole mosquito-free zone around you. There’s no flames, smoke, or harsh odors– which many typical mosquito repellents unfortunately have. The repellent refills can get pricey, but if you’re in an area with lots of mosquitos it’s likely worth it to save yourself from the bites, and the possible viruses they may transmit.

Reader: I’m going on a girl’s trip with lots of walking. Any must-haves I need to bring?

Remi: I don’t even know where you’re going, but this sounds like such a blast. The first thing in my bag when I’m going on a trip with lots of walking is a great pair of sneakers. If you’re packing light, I’d go for a pair that offers support for logging all those miles, but still looks cute and casual. Luckily there are so many stylish sneakers on the market right now, you can be sure you’ll find a pair you love. The New Balance 327 ($100), Veja Condor 2 ($195), and Adidas Samba OG Shoes ($100) are some I’m loving right now.

I often find during long travel days I quickly get tired of lugging a heavy purse on my shoulder. Instead, opt for a fanny pack that can tote around the essentials and take the pressure off your shoulders and back. Dagne Dover’s Ace Fanny Pack ($95) is made of durable neoprene and is super lightweight. If you want something that looks a bit more sophisticated, the Clare V. Fanny Pack ($295) is made with leather so it looks and feels more like a real purse.

I’ve been obsessed with the Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 Face Mist ($34) for mid-day sunscreen reapplication. Plus, the bottle is TSA-friendly so you’ll have no issue keeping it in your carry-on. And lastly, no summer vacation is complete without a great pair of sunglasses. I’ve been loving the Le Specs Outta Love ($65) shades this year – and everyone who tries them on loves them just as much.  

Reader: Can you help me find the ultimate summer fragrance?

‍Remi: It would be my pleasure! I love love love testing fragrances, and so do many of my TQE colleagues, so you’re in the right place. I’m not sure what scents you typically gravitate towards, but we have a host of great options that run the gamut from woody to floral.

For something fresh Maison Margiela’s ‘Replica’ Beach Walk ($85), laden with notes of bergamot, coconut milk, and musk, is formulated to smell like “sun-kissed salty skin” and comes highly-recommended by TQE Content Strategist and beauty aficionado Victoria Hoff. For something fruity and fun, Phlur’s Tangerine Boy ($96) smells as beautiful as it looks. Lemon, ginger, moss, and amber come together for a juicy, refreshing scent you’ll love on your summer skin.

My favorite scents always come from Byredo. While pricey, the pure perfume extracts make for potent, intoxicating aromas that last all day long. If you’re looking for something splurge-worthy, you can’t go wrong with any of their scents. Try Sundazed ($205) to soak yourself in warm, citrusy goodness or the best-selling Mojave Ghost ($205) for an olfactory experience that’s equal parts woody and light.