As someone who spends a lot of time online shopping (perils of the job), I’ve learned that my approach to Prime Day is less about filling my cart with things simply because they’re marked down and more about keeping tabs on the items I’ve already been eyeing.
I use the two-day event (titled, officially, Prime Big Deal Days) as an opportunity to restock some of my beauty favorites—Supergoop! sunscreen, Anastasia Beverly Hills brow gel—as well as wardrobe staples I go through every year, like Hanes white tees and Natori intimates. And if there’s a big-ticket kitchen or home item I’ve been considering, I’ll check to see whether the sale brings the price down enough to finally invest.
Vogue Editors’ Top Prime Day Finds:
While I do keep an eye on Amazon’s featured offers—the retailer slashes prices on certain coveted items several times a day—I prefer to make a wish list of things I want and need. It helps me track prices, but also avoid any unnecessary impulse purchases.
Of course, I’m not the only one with a game plan. Vogue shopping editors all have their own dialed approaches to find the best Prime Day deals. Let’s get into it!
The Self-Care Picks
“From my favorite hair care essentials (I became obsessed with hair and scalp care after a 15-step scalp cleanse I received in Seoul earlier this year) to my always-in-stock skincare and body favorites from Nécessaire, I love to feel nourished in the fall. During the sales, I tend to over-stock so I don’t have to restock (is there anything better than not having to re-buy your empties?!); I’ll be adding my go-to beauty saviors to my cart along with a few oversized menswear pieces I often throw on post-routine.” —Libby Page, global executive shopping director
The Everyday Essentials
“Desperate times call for desperate measures, or in my case, an 11th hour order of essentials I realized I’d run out of. I try to shop for small necessities in person even if it ends up being a little more expensive, but when you’ve left things to the very last minute as I’m wont to do, it’s hard to resist the lure of a deal coupled with free overnight delivery.” —Talia Abbas, shopping director
The Home Finds
“We just renewed our apartment lease and are officially prepping for year three in the same space. Prime Day feels like the perfect excuse to finally stock up on all the home essentials we’ve been putting off for far too long. Plus, I’m adding a few small decor pieces to the cart to make our place feel refreshed, cozy, and a little more like new.” —Kasey Busiel, marketing & production manager, shopping
The Wellness Finds
“This Prime Day is all about self-care. I have been wanting to update my air purifier; what better time than Prime Day to get the Dyson? Boll & Branch bedsheets for a good night’s sleep, and a new Kindle (with color) for a good read. A wild card for me is this Anua Gua Sha Cream that I have been wanting to try.” —Andrea Zendejas, shopping market editor
The Apothecary Restock
“This Prime Day, I’m stocking up on tried-and-trues, like my favorite French pharmacy staples from Bioderma and Klorane, as well as the newest addition to my skincare routine—a topical retinoid. Another new favorite is Salt & Stone’s Bergamot & Hinoki body wash, which smells amazing. I’m also refreshing my silk pillowcases, and finally buying a Kindle—which I discovered they have in pink!” —Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer
The Wardrobe Staples
Thinking ahead has not always been my forte, but when Prime Day comes day, I try my best to take advantage: restocking on essentials to avoid a future late-night panic order. From crisp white tees and my favorite sunnies (I lose them too often) to a few tubes of my favorite toothpaste, I appreciate the ease of being able to buy all my necessities at once, and even better at a discount! —Minty Mellon, shopping market editor
The Beauty Haul
“Year after year, my Prime Day shopping list is largely the same. In true beauty editor fashion, I’m primarily searching for skin, hair, and makeup deals to restock on my favorites. Right now, I’m really invested in stronger nails, healthier hair, and finally learning how to tame my brows. Otherwise, I’m keeping my eyes peeled for any style or home goods that speak to me.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping editor
The Tech Essentials
“I need to stop buying copious amounts of vintage clothes and vinyls, and start buying the essentials I’ve been neglecting. For example, my AirPods have seen better days. Plus, I’m on a mission to cosplay functional adult by cooking for myself more often (and an air fryer seems like it would make my life easier).” —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer
The Minimalist Makeup Finds
“When it comes to makeup and skincare, I’m more of a minimalist. I opt for fresh, hydrated skin and more natural-looking picks versus color cosmetics that pop. I’ll be restocking some of my favorites, like Saie’s subtle glowy gel and Nécessaire’s lip balm if they go on sale. ” —Madeline Fass, fashion market director, shopping
The Basics Haul
“My Amazon order usually involves beauty cabinet and shower shelf restocks, this time focusing on some staples from Korres (the Pure Greek Olive line is my all-time favorite). I recently made a rogue purchase of a cheesecloth—I’d had enough of trying to squeeze the water from grated zucchini with paper towels—and it’s been so useful I might buy a second one for straining pulp from juices, too. Plus, more candles for dinner parties! My philosophy is you can never have enough.” —Elly Leavitt, lifestyle shopping editor
The Fall Candle Refresh
“Amazon Prime Day is my favorite time to stock up on home and beauty essentials, and to explore new things that I’ve been wanting to try. I’m taking the opportunity to purchase some new candles for my collection, including the Diptyque’s Baies candle, which is a long-time favorite.” —Alexandra Buell, commerce producer
