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The New York Exclusive

Tony Bowles is one of the youngest sought out journalists in the media world. He focuses on lifestyle, travel, entertainment, food and more! Based out of NYC.

Global Getaways & Glamorous Grooming: Our Approved Summer Essentials Guide for 2025

From smart glasses to spa towels and sculptural furniture, these elevated essentials turn everyday travel, beauty, wellness, and home routines into experiences worth investing in.

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As summer 2025 reaches its sun-drenched apex, the modern consumer is approaching the season with discerning intention. Travel is no longer just about escape — it’s about immersion. Home isn’t just a place of rest — it’s a curated sanctuary.

This guide is a celebration of that shift: a definitive list of items and innovations across travel, beauty, grooming, tech, and interiors that enrich daily rituals and elevate the ordinary into something deeply personal and truly extraordinary.

RAY-BAN META: SMART GLASSES FOR THE MODERN GLOBETROTTER

A summer abroad deserves more than just a passport — it calls for gear that enhances your journey without distracting from it. Enter the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, an evolution in wearable tech that integrates artificial intelligence seamlessly with one of the most iconic sunglasses silhouettes of all time. Available in both the Skyler and Headliner styles, these smart glasses combine Ray-Ban’s legendary aesthetic with Meta’s AI assistant, delivering a future-forward travel experience wrapped in timeless design.

Need to read a menu in Madrid? Just say, “Hey Meta, translate this,” and the glasses will convert signage or speech into English, Spanish, Italian, or French, thanks to on-device live translation capabilities. Want to remember a recommendation from a local barista? Ask Meta to store the note, and it’ll be available at your verbal command.

Hands-free photo and video capture means you can document your bike ride through Barcelona or your hike across a Norwegian fjord without missing a beat. With open-ear audio, you can tune into your favorite playlists and podcasts while staying aware of your surroundings — perfect for navigating a new city or catching your boarding call at the airport. Starting at $299, these next-gen frames are available at Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and more.

ULTA BEAUTY’S SUMMER SALE: YOUR GLOW-UP STARTS HERE

When it comes to building your summer beauty arsenal, Ulta Beauty’s Big Summer Beauty Sale is an annual rite of passage. Running from June 29 through July 19, the event is packed with can’t-miss discounts across haircare, skincare, sun protection, body care, fragrance, and more, making it the perfect moment to revamp your entire routine.

Look out for jumbo-sized shampoos and conditioners from Redken, Biolage, and Matrix at up to 45% off — ideal for beach houses and shared summer rentals. Sun and skin care brands like Naturium, Peach Slices, VANICREAM, and Mad Hippie are all BOGO 40% off, ensuring you stay protected and glowing under the summer sun. For those embracing their natural curls, the sale includes BOGO 50% off essentials from Rizos Curls, PATTERN, and Design Essentials.

Skincare aficionados will want to stock up on 30% off deluxe kits from Peach & Lily and OLEHENRIKSEN, and fragrance fans will love the discounts on curated scent kits from Snif. Each week during the sale, Ulta will feature new brand spotlights with up to 40% off select products from brands like Living Proof, TULA, HALF MAGIC, Philosophy, and more. It’s a beauty binge well worth the calendar reminder.

LYSOL: SUMMER TRAVEL, SANITIZED AND SIMPLIFIED

Your summer itinerary might be packed with adventure, but with Lysol’s line of travel-sized disinfectants, your sense of safety and cleanliness doesn’t have to stay home.

Lysol Disinfectant Spray To-Go and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes To-Go are TSA-compliant, lightweight, and essential for those navigating airport terminals, public restrooms, and Airbnb rentals. These products kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria on hard, nonporous surfaces, offering real protection with no added bulk.

For a sensory upgrade to your post-travel clean-up, try the Lysol Lavender and Cotton Blossom Disinfecting Wipes. These disinfecting wipes and sprays refresh surfaces with a gentle floral scent while eliminating harmful germs.

Use the wipes to clean the exterior of your luggage and electronics, and spritz the spray onto the softshell compartments and seat cushions to keep your essentials safe and fresh. Whether you’re headed to a family reunion in the suburbs or a luxury suite in Santorini, Lysol ensures your peace of mind travels with you.

FURNITURE THAT BREATHES: SUMMER MATERIALS, YEAR-ROUND STYLE

Transform your home into a seasonal sanctuary with selections that prioritize natural textures, clean lines, and airy palettes.

The Solene Collection from James Martin Vanities’ Solene Collection is a standout in this regard. Rooted in the minimalism of Scandinavian aesthetics and crafted with the attention to detail of Arts and Crafts design, the Solene pieces — available in 16, 32, and 48-inch widths — combine solid white oak and woven natural cane in a Seaside Oak finish. The result? An effortlessly calming, breathable statement piece for your bathroom that delivers architectural beauty and daily utility.

For those seeking versatile, ready-to-live furnishings, Povison is redefining luxury for the modern, functional home. Their fully assembled pieces arrive without the hassle of instruction manuals or tools. Their Modern White Dining Chairs with gold legs add a polished, high-contrast aesthetic to any dining space, while the Power Convertible Sleeper Sofa is ideal for hosting overnight guests without any heavy lifting.

The 73" Luxe Blue Sideboard with gold accents and eucalyptus veneer brings rich texture and bold color to entryways or dining rooms. Bar areas and kitchen islands are elevated with Swivel Velvet Bar Stools — cushioned, comfortable, and oh-so-chic. And media rooms benefit from pieces like the Fluted Green TV Stand or the Wooden TV Stand with Brass Accents, both combining modern silhouette with vintage-inspired charm.

Cue the fireworks! This 4th of July, Lovesac is offering 30% off EVERYTHING — exclusively from Monday, June 30th through Sunday, July 6th.

The bestselling Sacs, PillowSac Chairs, Footsacs, and more will be available for purchase at prices worth celebrating, only through July 6th.

BATHROOM ELEVATION: FORM MEETS FUNCTION

This summer, let your bathroom join your self-care journey with upgrades that pair high performance with high design. American Standard’s Aspirations Pull-Down Faucet delivers targeted precision for rinsing, shaving, or refreshing, making it a surprisingly essential part of your grooming routine.

For larger fixtures, the Champion Toilet is engineered to avoid the all-too-common clog and can flush with power (yes, even a bucket of golf balls). The Aspirations Waterfall Tub Spout transforms your post-workout soak into a blissful retreat.

For those who consider the bathroom their personal wellness retreat, TOTO’s suite of intelligent products offers spa-level innovation. The WASHLET C5 and WASHLET S7/S7A bidet systems offer customizable cleansing with warm water, heated seats, deodorizing functions, night lights, and memory settings for multiple users.

The Carlyle II 1G One-Piece Toilet is as sleek as it is smart, featuring TOTO’s Tornado Flush system and ceramic CEFIONTECT glaze to keep the bowl clean with every flush. Complete the space with the NEXUS 6’ Soaker Bathtub— a deep oval tub with slip-resistant coating and grab bars, designed for luxurious, secure relaxation.

Kohler also makes a compelling case for the tech-savvy bathroom. The PureWash M300 Bidet Seat installs without electricity and adds bidet functionality with understated simplicity.

The Statement Handshower Oblong or Round includes three water modes, including a powerful massage stream, while the SpaViva Handshower & Cleansing Device features interchangeable heads for exfoliation and muscle massage, offering a multi-sensory experience straight from your shower wall.

KITCHEN EXCELLENCE: WOLF INDUCTION RANGE

The latest from Wolf, the Professional Induction Range, brings together two worlds — precision cooking technology and tactile, analog control. This high-end range is fitted with Wolf’s iconic knobs while boasting fast, efficient induction heat.

Home chefs can expect unmatched responsiveness and control, perfect for sautéing vegetables or slow-simmering sauces. Customizable in either black or white powder-coated steel, the design seamlessly integrates into minimalist, transitional, or traditional kitchens alike.

FOUR SEASONS AT HOME

Few brands epitomize luxury like Four Seasons, and now you can bring that prestige into your own home. The Spa Towel Set($216) is crafted from 100% Combed Low Twist cotton and includes bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths in a palette of soft, neutral tones.

Their Men’s Hotel Pajama Set ($285) is made from breathable Oxford Sateen and includes a tailored shirt and pant duo with refined piping and embroidered accents. Travel in style with The Valisette($398), a compact weekend bag hand-crafted in Italian Pebble Grain Leather and Organic Cotton Toile. Sleep deeper with the Acacia Sheet Set ($625), woven from high-grade 100% linen that softens with every wash.

DREAM HAIR DAYS: MEET THE DREAME AIRSTYLE PRO

The Dreame AirStyle Pro is turning heads and transforming routines. Designed for all hair textures, this styling tool combines high-speed airflow with a compact, ergonomic design.

The result is faster drying, frizz-free styling, and salon-quality results without cluttering your bathroom. It’s especially ideal for those focused on minimalism, as it offers professional performance without the need for multiple devices.

MEN’S CARE: GROOMED TO PERFECTION

For men leveling up their grooming game, two key products are worth your cart space. NIVEA MEN Age Defense Advanced Serum combines Thiamidol™ and Hyaluronic Acid to reduce dark spots, fine lines, and visible signs of aging in just four weeks. It’s a powerful anti-aging solution that doesn’t sacrifice speed or ease of use.

Meanwhile, LISTERINE Clinical Solutions Sensitive Teeth is an alcohol-free mouthwash designed to reverse sensitivity and provide 24-hour protection. It allows users to return to enjoying hot coffee, cold drinks, or acidic foods without discomfort.

STAY SAFE: BAND-AID® Brand Waterproof Clear Adhesive Bandages

Summer season is officially here — and whether you’re beach-bound or city-hopping, the last thing you need is a scrape slowing you down. BAND-AID® Brand has you covered with a must-have: our NEW Waterproof Clear Bandages, designed to keep you protected and comfortable.

BAND-AID® Brand Waterproof Clear Adhesive Bandages — NEW line of bandages that are 100% waterproof, easy to apply, and designed to withstand swimming, sweating, and showering.

Available at Walgreens, Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

HYDRATE SMARTER: CULLIGAN x ZEROWATER

Culligan with ZeroWater Technology brings serious filtration into stylish form. These dispensers and pitchers, available at Amazon starting at $24.99, use a five-stage filtration system certified to remove contaminants like lead and PFAS, five times more effective than other leading brands.

They include a built-in TDS meter so you can see your water’s purity level in real-time. The sleek designs fit into fridges, counters, or even tailgate setups. A great gift for grads or a smart upgrade for everyday living.

GLOW ON-THE-GO: EUROPEAN WAX CENTER SUMMER TRAVEL BUNDLE

Travel light, glow hard. European Wax Center’s 3 Piece Oasis Travel Kit

Extend your smooth with our Oasis Travel Kit! Complete with our straw clutch and addictive Summer Oasis scent in a travel-sized Body Polish and Shimmer Body Oil.

Both of which contain Narcissus Bulb extract: an all-natural ingredient clinically proven to slow hair regrowth and thickness between waxes. Our exclusive light-weight, guest-favorite Shimmer Body Oil contains rose gold shimmer to leave skin radiant and glowing.

WELLNESS FROM HOME: SCS MAKES LIFE EASY

SCS is redefining at-home fitness and recovery with a full ecosystem of high-performance products. Their WalkingPads, such as the WalkingPad Step Station, WalkingPad Walking Station, and WalkingPad X25 Double-Fold Treadmill, offer whisper-quiet cardio workouts that fit neatly into any home or office.

These treadmills are fully assembled out of the box and feature smart app connectivity, cushioned decks, and compact storage designs.

For recovery, the EZLIFE Lotus Cervical Neck Care Pillow w/ Heat uses natural mugwort heating, memory foam, and an air cushion to offer ergonomic neck support. It’s a bedtime essential for stress relief and spinal alignment. Find all these and more — including Lifesmart massage chairs and inflatable hot tubs — at MakeLifeEasy.com

PERSONAL CARE TECH: BEBIRD

Ear care enters the 21st century with Bebird’s range of camera-enabled cleaning devices. Their Bebird EarSight Plus, Bebird EarSight Pro, and Bebird EarSight Complete models feature high-definition cameras, smartphone integration, and flexible silicone tips for safe, effective self-care.

With certifications from the FDA, CE, and FCC, Bebird devices offer professional-level clarity and hygiene from the comfort of home. Great for families, wellness junkies, or anyone looking to improve their routine with next-gen tools.

In Conclusion: The Summer of Intentional Luxury

From the water you drink to the way you unwind, today’s consumer is embracing elevated essentials that do more and feel better doing it. These are the products redefining everyday life with craftsmanship, intelligence, and beauty. Wherever you go and whatever you do, let this summer be one of intention, innovation, and indulgence.

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The New York Exclusive
The New York Exclusive

Published in The New York Exclusive

Tony Bowles is one of the youngest sought out journalists in the media world. He focuses on lifestyle, travel, entertainment, food and more! Based out of NYC.

The New York Exclusive by Editor Tony Bowles
The New York Exclusive by Editor Tony Bowles

Written by The New York Exclusive by Editor Tony Bowles

Tony Bowles is a New York–based journalist covering fashion, luxury travel, food, and culture—from Manhattan to the Hamptons—with a sharp editorial eye.

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