What the Mashable staff bought in July 2021

If you follow Mashable Shopping’s coverage, you know that we live to bring you the best product recommendations we can find based on countless hours of online research. But what about the stuff that we buy for ourselves? The stuff that made it into our shopping carts? Well, we’re here to tell you about those things, and we’ll be back every month to do so again.

Here’s what the staff bought in July 2021.

The coolest little camera

“I saw the Paper Shoot Camera on TikTok and immediately knew I needed it. It’s small, sustainably made, and mimics the results of film photography (at least, it’s supposed to). Now that I’ve been able to test it out, I can confidently say that it’s a fantastic alternative to film photography through totally digital means. And yes, the photos look way better than the HUJI app.” —Dylan Haas, Shopping Reporter

A candle that smells like pirate water

“I just got back from a trip to Disney World, and I’ve been missing my time there dearly. Since I can’t afford to go back just yet, I bought one of these candles that’s supposed to mimic that weird, chlorine-y smell from the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. It doesn’t really smell like the ride at all, but it does give off this beautiful ocean air scent that I actually really like. I probably would’ve gotten over that chlorine smell quickly, anyway.” —Dylan Haas, Shopping Reporter

A super funky puzzle

“I saw a TikTok of a girl doing a puzzle from The Magic Puzzle Company, and she was talking about how there are easter eggs and weirdly shaped pieces and not all of the edge pieces actually go around the border. Plus, there’s a secret envelope to open after you finish the puzzle. I was very intrigued. My dad and I are avid puzzle-doers, but haven’t gotten to work on a puzzle together in years. I bought one for each of us and planned on doing FaceTime puzzling sessions. Unfortunately, my dad finished the puzzle before I even opened mine because he ‘got in the zone.’ So, it will not be the fun father-daughter activity I had planned. But, I’m still excited to try my hand at the bizarre thousand-piecer.” —Miller Kern, Shopping Reporter

A really huge Hydro Flask

“I started going to the gym again, and I wanted a water bottle with a handle so I could clip my keys to it and avoid bringing a bag to the gym with me. Plus, I wanted a large water bottle for beach days and hiking trips. So, I got a 32-ounce Hydro Flask in a cute pale yellow color called pineapple. I like that it has a wide mouth so I can fit ice cubes in it. I love a nice cold drink of water.” —Miller Kern, Shopping Reporter

A budget-friendly bronzer

“I needed a new, easily controllable bronzer after I accidentally left my Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand on ‘open’ in my makeup bag. (It essentially threw up all over itself.) I saw e.l.f’s Putty Bronzer on Tiktok and for $6, I had to try it. I like its sticky texture and the fact that it’s not so thick that it smears around any time I bump it. It has come particularly in handy for next-to-no makeup days when I say ‘screw it, I’m applying with my fingers,’ and still want a bit of a summer glow.” —Leah Stodart, Shopping Reporter

An ethically made tank top

“Don’t roast me because I don’t care — I’m still into matching tie dye sets that were popular at the beginning of the pandemic. I had been eyeing a top and shorts from CHNGE forever, and even though the shorts are still sold out, I wanted to grab the tank before summer was over. I’m psyched on the brand’s emphasis on sustainability, ethical factory practices, and social justice, so I’m not that annoyed that the tops run so small that I had to swap for another size.” —Leah Stodart, Shopping Reporter

A candle that smells like a fresh summer garden

“I pretty much always have a candle burning, so I’m very particular about what kind of scents I like. It can’t be anything too overwhelming, or sweet, or artificial, or warm. Enter this tomato-scented candle. I know it might sound weird, but hear me out. This candle smells like you just walked into a fresh, summer-y garden that’s bursting with life. Burning it makes me feel like I’m sitting outside in the sunshine even when I haven’t left my apartment in days.” —Erica Bahrenburg, Production Associate

A long-overdue air fryer

“Tim Marcin and Leah Stodart finally got to me: I bought an Instant Vortex Pro after months of reading and promoting their air fryer content. The first week I got it, I went all out and tried all the staples I could think of. Rotisserie chicken and wings are the real showstoppers, in my opinion, followed by tofu bites that I can put in my sautés. My next recipe? Air fryer churros.” —Sophie Laplante, Senior Director of Audience Growth