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The best body lotions for hydrated skin, according to dermatologists

If you suffer from itchy or dry skin , there are few things as enticing as lathering on a soothing body lotion to alleviate discomfort. Plus, a consistent moisturizing routine can help keep your skin healthy and make every day feel like a spa day.

The benefits of a good lotion extend beyond its ability to soften your skin: It’s important to help lock in moisture and support the skin barrier, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King . “An impaired barrier will leave the skin more vulnerable to damage, dryness, irritation, inflammation and infection,” she says. 

We spoke to dermatologists about why moisturizing is important and what to look for in a quality body lotion. We also highlighted expert-recommended options to consider, as well as options our editors have tried.

SKIP AHEAD The best body lotions of 2024 | How to shop for body lotion

Selected. Our top picks

How we picked the best body lotions

When shopping for a body lotion, our experts recommend considering the following factors:

• Ingredients : Look for humectants like hyaluronic acid that attract water from the environment to hydrate the skin. Emollients like ceramides help improve the skin’s texture, while occlusives like petrolatum hold onto moisture and prevent the skin from drying out, according to our experts. 
• Skin type: Consider a body lotion that fits your specific skin type. If you have very dry skin, look for richer creams because they’re formulated with more hydrating oils, experts told us. If you have sensitive skin , you should avoid fragrances and other potential irritants like dyes, while those with oily and acne-prone skin should consider lightweight, noncomedogenic moisturizers.
• Price: While there are nice lotions that are on the pricier side, many of the ones below are available for less than $20.

select Your body wash could be drying out your skin

The best body lotions of 2024.

With this expert guidance in mind, we rounded up a handful of dermatologist-recommended lotions and creams, plus ones NBC Select staff have tried, to help your dry skin heal.

Best overall: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream

• Suitable for all skin types
• Seal of Acceptance from NEA
• For face, body and hands
• Tub packaging

Dr. Shoshana Marmon , a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at New York Medical College, recommends this NBC Select Wellness Award winner , which is formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramides to heal dry skin . NBC Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg also swears by it: “The two things I love most are its soft texture and I notice more of a moisturizing effect on my skin that lasts longer compared to other creams I’ve used and definitely more than when I use lotions,” she says. Ginsberg also appreciates that it doesn’t have a strong scent or a hefty price tag.

Type: Cream | Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and ceramides | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best for skin barrier repair: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin

La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin

• Safe for babies 2 weeks and up
• Provides 48 hours of hydration
• Thick consistency

I’ve been using La Roche-Posay products for years and love their gentle scent and the fact that they’re lightweight, providing deep moisture without leaving behind a greasy residue, says former NBC Select editor Christina Colizza. Marmon also recommends this moisturizer from the French beauty company, which is formulated with ceramides, shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide .

Type: Cream | Skin type: Dry, sensitive | Key ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best non-greasy: Summer Fridays Summer Silk Nourishing Body Lotion

Summer Fridays Summer Silk Nourishing Body Lotion

• Targets dullness and texture
• Coconut and vanilla scent
• Strong scent
• Higher price point

This Summer Fridays body lotion, an NBC Select Wellness award winner , is formulated with humectants, emollients and occlusives like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin and natural oils to hydrate and soften the skin, according to the brand. The lotion, which has a coconut, vanilla and almond scent, is in constant rotation for NBC page Mikhaila Archer because it has a great texture that doesn’t feel too thin or thick on her skin.

Type: Cream | Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter, hyalauronic acid and glycerin | Fragrance-free: No

Best for very dry skin: Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion

Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion

• Prevents recurring dryness
• Absorbs quickly
• Not for cracked skin

This highly rated body lotion helps keep skin moisturized for up to 48 hours, according to the brand. The formula relies on ceramides, an emollient our experts recommend, to hydrate the skin and prevent dryness. Eucerin’s Advanced Repair Body Lotion is fragrance-free and has a 4.8-star average rating from over 26,000 reviews on Amazon.

Type: Lotion | Skin type: Very dry | Key ingredients: Lactic acid, ceramides | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best for eczema: Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion

Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion

• Noncomedogenic
• Nothing to note at this time

Vanicream is by no means a new, splashy brand, but it’s a stalwart in the world of skin and hair care and comes recommended by Marmon. “Out of all my body lotions, this is a standout because it gives me more moisture than any of the other ones I’ve tried and doesn’t cause any eczema flareups,” says NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez . “In fact, it actually helps treat my eczema and soothes any itchy, dry, red patches.” If you prefer a thicker consistency, consider the cream version that Alvarez recommends. 

Type: Lotion | Skin type: Sensitive | Key ingredients: Water, petrolatum | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best budget-friendly: Dove Body Love Sensitive Care Body Lotion

Dove's Body Love Sensitive Care Body Lotion

• Softens and smooths skin
• Strengthens skin's moisture barrier
• Subtle scent

King recommends this Dove body lotion because of its rich moisturizing formula with ceramides, which helps support the skin barrier. “[It’s] the ideal combination of humectants, emollients and occlusives,” she says, adding that it’s “a great choice for sensitive skin because it hydrates, supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture, and it doesn’t contain any ingredients that are likely to be irritating or drying.”

Type: Lotion | Skin type: Sensitive | Key ingredients: Ceramides | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best exfoliating: Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin

Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin

• Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
• Suitable for flaky, scaly or rough skin
• No added fragrance, but has naturally occurring scent

Marmon also recommends Amlactin’s moisturizer for dry skin. It’s formulated without parabens or fragrances and relies on humectants like glycerin to hydrate the skin. Also, the lotion contains 12% lactic acid, which the brand says is both a powerful humectant and gentle exfoliant that can relieve skin issues like keratosis pilaris .

Type: Lotion | Skin type: Sensitive | Key ingredients: Lactic acid, glycerin | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best for sensitive skin: Vaseline Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief Lotion

Vaseline Intensive Care Sensitive Skin Relief Lotion

• Soothes dry, irritated skin
• Thin consistency that spreads easily

King also recommends this option from Vaseline, which “contains humectants like glycerin to hydrate the skin, emollients like shea butter and sunflower seed oil to support the skin barrier, and occlusives like petrolatum to lock in moisture,” but no irritating ingredients, she says. King also notes that it’s formulated with colloidal oatmeal, which helps to soothe and protect the skin.

Type: Lotion | Skin type: Sensitive, dry | Key ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, glycerin and shea butter | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best scented: Eos Shea Better 24H Moisture Body Lotion

Eos Shea Better 24H Moisture Body Lotion in Pomegranate Raspberry

• Provides 24 hours of hydration
• Absorbs quickly into skin

Though you should proceed with caution when it comes to heavily-fragranced moisturizers, King uses this Eos lotion and says she’s very happy with its performance. Plus, it’s packed with humectants, emollients and occlusives like shea butter, glycerin, triglycerides, cocoa seed butter, petrolatum, mineral oil and sunflower seed oil, she says.

Type: Lotion | Skin type: Sensitive | Key ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter and shea oil | Fragrance-free: No

Best fragrance-free: Gold Bond Healing Sensitive Daily Body & Face Lotion

Gold Bond Healing Sensitive Daily Body & Face Lotion

• Thin consistency
• Fast absorbing

When it comes to treating her itchy, dry, and sensitive skin, NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin reaches for this lotion. “I apply this hydrating cream whenever I start to feel uncomfortable, and it soothes my skin,” she says. “The skin on my legs tends to get dry and cracked in the winter, and if I use this before I go to bed, it’s significantly more moisturized in the morning.”

Type: Lotion | Skin type: Dry, sensitive | Key ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin C and vitamin E | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best for firming: Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion

Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion

• Safe for sensitive skin
• Best for nighttime use

With its 4.6-star average rating from over 240 reviews on Amazon, this body lotion uses an encapsulated retinol complex to improve skin texture, tone and firmness. The silky, fast-absorbing formula also reduces irritation and redness while providing overall moisture and hydration, according to the brand. The lotion is available in a larger version with pump packaging and is also sold in a bundle with Naturium’s Bio-Lipid Restoring Moisturizing Body Lotion .

Type: Lotion | Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Retinol, glycerin and shea butter | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best lightweight: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Lotion

• Reduces skin tightness

NBC Page Hannah Fuechtman reaches for Illiyoon’s Ceramide Ato Lotion to moisturize her dry skin during the winter. “I have incredibly dry skin, especially when the cold weather hits, and this is one of the only lotions that protects my skin,” she says. “I love how this lightweight, fragrance-free formula goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky.” Illiyoon offers products specifically for sensitive skin, so it’s a great pick if you fall into that skin type, too, says Fuechtman.

Type: Lotion | Skin type: Normal, dry | Key ingredients: Glycerin, perilla seed, ceramides and ginseng root extract | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best for acne-prone skin: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

• Non-greasy formula
• Suitable for acne-prone skin

NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz is a fan of Cetaphil’s lotion as both a body and face moisturizer. “It’s totally unscented, it comes in a large, affordable bottle, and I’ve seen it recommended by many dermatologists,” he says. Cetaphil is formulated with hydrating glycerin and is noncomedogenic, meaning it shouldn’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Type: Lotion | Skin type: Normal, sensitive | Key ingredients: Avocado oil, vitamin E and niacinamide | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best for dry, cracked skin: Curél Ultra Healing Lotion

Curél Ultra Healing Lotion

• Great for very dry, tight skin

This Curél body lotion is fragrance-free and specifically targets extra dry, tight skin, according to the brand. It has hydrating ingredients like ceramides, shea butter and oatmeal that lock in moisture for up to 24 hours,  according to the brand. The lotion has a 4.8-star average rating from over 21,600 reviews on Amazon.

Type: Lotion | Skin type: Very dry | Key ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter and oatmeal extract | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best cream: Vaseline Radiant X Deep Nourishment Body Cream

Vaseline Radiant x Deep Nourishment Body Lotion

• Safe for all skin types

Although this NBC Select Wellness award winner has a thicker consistency than your typical lotion, it leaves skin soft and hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy, in our experience. “The hydration I got from the lotion lasted all day, and I didn’t feel like I needed to reapply it all the time,” says NBC Page Alexa Casanueva. Suitable for all skin types, this noncomedogenic moisturizer also has a subtle coconut scent.  

Type: Cream | Skin type: Very dry, dull | Key ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil, peptides and vitamin C | Fragrance-free: No

Best splurge: Tronque Firming Body Butter

Tronque Firming Body Butter

This is a body butter you don’t have to stop using in the summer because it’s nourishing without being heavy or greasy, says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown . The moisturizer focuses on improving dry and damaged skin and increasing firmness and tightness, according to the brand. “A little goes a long way, which is always nice when you don’t want to sacrifice a huge chunk of money for quality products,” says Brown. 

Type: Cream | Skin type: All | Key ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best ointment: Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Aquaphor Healing Ointment

• For irritated, cracked skin
• For face, lips and wounds
• Great for healing scars
• Very thick consistency

Not quite a lotion, not quite a cream, but deserving of an honorable mention from Marmon is Aquaphor’s healing ointment. The balm won’t spread across your skin like the other recommendations on this list, but it’s great for spot treating rough patches on your skin and other itchy spots. It also ranks in NBC Select’s guides on how to heal dry, chapped lips and the best creams to heal dry skin .

Type:  Ointment |  Skin type: Dry, cracked |  Key ingredients:  Petroleum |  Fragrance-free:  Yes

select When to use a soap-free body wash

How to shop for body lotion.

“Moisturizer is a catch-all term for something that hydrates the skin,” says Marmon. Whether a product is sold as a lotion, cream, body butter or a similar product ( more on what distinguishes each below ), they should contain humectants to hydrate the skin, emollients to support the skin barrier and occlusives to lock in moisture, says King. Some lotions can also have additional ingredients for specific concerns, like lactic acid to gently exfoliate rough or bumpy skin, or retinol for anti-aging, she says.

• Humectants : “Humectants like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and urea attract water from the environment to increase moisture in the skin,” says Marmon. “They need to be used along with the other components in order to retain the water content,” says King.
• Emollients : Emollients “help in skin barrier function, membrane fluidity and cell signaling leading to overall improvement in skin texture and appearance,” says King. They soothe the skin, filling in any gaps and cracks. Some examples of emollients in moisturizers include squalene , shea butter, fatty acids and ceramides.
• Occlusives : “Occlusives are oils and waxes which form an inert layer on the skin and physically block transepidermal water loss,” says King, meaning they enable the skin to hold onto moisture. Examples include petrolatum (the main ingredient in Vaseline , or Aquaphor , for example), beeswax, mineral oil, silicones, lanolin and zinc oxide. “Balms and ointments are commonly occlusive,” says Marmon.

Frequently asked questions

Lotions, creams, and body butters are all moisturizing products, but they have different consistencies and properties, says Marmon:

Lotions are typically water-based, lightweight and “have a thinner consistency that makes them easy to apply and quick to absorb,” says Marmon. They provide lighter hydration and are ideal for normal to oily skin.

Creams , on the other hand, are richer and are typically formulated with higher oil content, says Marmon. They are “ideal for normal to dry skin and great for aging skin,” notes Marmon, especially during menopause, when lowered estrogen levels can cause the skin to become dryer and thinner.

Body butters or other balms are often thicker and more concentrated. They typically contain the highest proportion of oil and natural fats and are great for “very dry or rough skin, and areas like the elbows, knees and heels,” says Marmon.

If you struggle with skin conditions like rosacea or eczema , King recommends avoiding potentially irritating ingredients like hydroxy acids or retinol. “Stick with good moisturizers that contain humectants, emollients and occlusives,” she says.

Both King and Marmon recommend applying lotions or moisturizers after showering to lock moisture in, but “people with eczema, psoriasis , severely dry skin or other skin barrier issues may need more frequent moisturization,” says Marmon.

Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. 
• Dr. Shoshana Marmon is a board-certified dermatologist in Brooklyn, New York and Assistant Professor at New York Medical College.

Why trust NBC Select?

Christina Colizza is a former editor at NBC Select and has been a product reviewer since 2018. She covers a range of self care and skin care topics like shampoos , eyebrow serums and more.

Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter covering skin care, hair care and gift guides, including recent stories on body washes for sensitive skin and eye creams . For this story, she interviewed interviewed a dermatologist and researched highly rated body lotions that met expert guidance.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Christina Colizza is a former editor for Select on NBC News. 

Bianca Alvarez is an associate reporter at NBC Select.

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I'm a Writer in Paris, and These Are the 12 Bag Styles that French Girls Are Carrying Into Summer — From $19

Don’t wait for the next season of Emily in Paris to discover these stylish finds that start at just $19.

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

In Paris, as weekends are planned around cafe terrasses and parks where we can soak up the most sun, French fashion is also shifting with the season . We’re slowly packing away puffer coats and wool winter jackets in favor of lightweight denim and linen blazers, with silk scarves tied expertly in place. Besides being able to wear dresses without tights, in spring I also love people-watching and seeing signs of what’s to come for summer — especially when it comes to bags. 

While catching up with friends for coffee at one of my go-tos like Partisan near Le Marais, I’ve noticed that even though temperatures are still in the 50s, everyone is dressing for the weather we want . Girls are wearing matching shorts-and-blazer sets with camel-colored crossbody purses or canvas bucket bags that could double as a beach tote (but for now carry a book to read in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont). In a city like Paris, where fashion and functionality so effortlessly come together, choosing a bag is similar to figuring out footwear for the day .

This summer, Parisians are trading out totes and fanny packs in favor of sleek slings, vintage-inspired shoulder bags, and crossbody phone purses that are pickpocket-proof yet still look chic. From splurge-worthy leather bags at Madewell to vibrant top-handle clutches at Amazon for less than $20, these 12 styles are all you need to get into the spirit of summer in France, whether you’re visiting Paris during the Olympics or plan to bask at beach clubs on the Riviera. 

Everlane The Studio Bag

Similar to New York, Paris is a city where you often spend the entire day running around and don’t have the chance to make it back to your Airbnb or hotel to freshen up before the next meal or museum visit. Cotton tote bags (especially these illustrated ones from legendary bookshop Shakespeare and Company ) have become as essential as an umbrella or sunglasses. A more structured alternative that will hold everything you need for the day yet still looks elegant for a nice dinner, Everlane’s The Studio Bag is the ideal compromise. 

Roomy enough for a 13-inch laptop, the cognac-colored leather purse snaps closed and has an adjustable shoulder strap, so it can fit snugly by your side. “I've been carrying this bag every day for a few weeks. It is a great size — holds everything without looking giant,” raves one shopper. “The quality of the leather is excellent, and, so far, I haven't seen any sign of it breaking down. The strap is wide enough that it never digs into my shoulder, despite carrying multiple books and a laptop.” I couldn’t imagine higher praise for a purse.

Bostanten Vegan Leather Crossbody Phone Bag

A super savvy take on a phone purse, this compact crossbody conveniently holds everything you’ll need on a trip to Paris in its cleverly designed pockets. The front phone space is disguised under the magnetic snap and can fit larger models like the iPhone Pro, while the main double pockets zip shut and one side has four built-in card slots. 

Great for cycling around town and practically pickpocket-proof for the train or métro , this is one affordable crossbody that looks chic (you can hardly tell it’s vegan leather!) yet is one of the most practical travel purses I’ve seen in a while. More than 5,000 reviewers are also fans: “I purchased this for a Caribbean cruise vacation, and I fit three passports, credit cards, a driver’s license, hotel keycard, car keys, a ship sea pass, and still had room for lipstick, a folded excursion map, receipts, and other essentials,” raved one shopper . “It can be used as a crossbody bag or on the shoulder, or you could also remove the strap and use it as a clutch. I might buy another in a different color.”

Madewell The Sling Crossbody

For a while, sling bags were replaced by fanny packs that are easier to adjust and pin across your chest while cycling or strolling through town. However, Bottega Veneta’s slouchy woven handbags reintroduced the look in a more stylish fashion, and this more functional version from Madewell allows the sling to shift from a shoulder bag to a crossbody. 

The adjustable strap offers more than enough support when worn across your body for a day of sightseeing or biking through vineyards in Provence. Plus, the woven straw material is the ideal look for a summer bag. “I've already gotten many compliments and I've only had this bag a week,” says one shopper. “Also, if you're like me and don't read descriptions, surprise — there's an outside zippered pocket that's perfect for a phone!” 

Telena Small Leather Sling Bag

As someone who has never gotten on board with a backpack (as a student at the University of Florida, I remained loyal to my Longchamp Le Pliage tote), I’ve always favored a fanny pack or sling as a hands-free option for traveling or music festivals. One of 35 different styles from Telena, this boho-chic crossbody sling is compact yet has room for nearly everything you need thanks to multiple organized pockets. An anti-theft pocket on the side can store money and IDs, while the front pouch opens to reveal five card slots, so you can leave bulky wallets at home. 

Even better, the design is reversible, so you can wear it comfortably on either side, depending on your preference. “I didn't think I would like a front sling purse, but I do!” raves one shopper . “It's the perfect size, feels like good quality, sits comfortably on me, and is great for everyday or travel — definitely recommend.”

Madewell The Essential Mini Bucket Tote

In the summer, I tend to go for the most lightweight option possible when it comes to a bag. When I came across this mini bucket tote at Madewell , I knew I found my new city bag. With a magnetic closure and interior pocket, this pint-sized version of the classic staple purse is spacious enough to carry everything I need (phone, keys, wallet, Glossier lip balm, portable charger), yet it’s still slim and streamlined. 

The shape is structured and sophisticated, and the cream color paired with gold hardware gives it that quiet luxury look everyone is embracing at the moment (thank you Succession !). As one shopper said, “ I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the magnet closure that snaps in place so that my belongings don't spill out. GET IT NOW if you're looking for a quality everyday bag that goes with everything.” 

JW PEI Joy Shoulder Bag

Fashion is a series of cycles and we’re reliving those '90s vibes that back then we couldn’t wait to be rid of. I, for one, am enjoying digging into the depths of my closet (and my older friends’ wardrobes) and reviving some of these gems that look similar to this slim, curved shoulder bag from JW Pei.

In Paris, this purse can go from day to night, matching everything from a floral midi button-down dress to tapered jeans with a white button-down and blazer. In the evenings, pair it with a little navy dress and strappy heeled sandals for a stylish date night ensemble that’ll have you fitting right in on your next trip to the City of Light.

Sézane Claude Bag

Sézane is one of those French brands that really can do no wrong. Each collection is as Parisian model-worthy as the next (and yes, they do actually love this brand), yet the pieces aren’t trendy. They’re timeless staples that’ll look just as fashionable in five or 10 years — and they’re known to be durable enough to last that long, too. (What's more, T+L editors love the brand , too.)

This half-moon shoulder bag is my leather go-to for the summer. Oversized but not clunky, the vintage-inspired periwinkle-blue bag can be worn crossbody or over the shoulder and, in addition to an inside and outside patch pocket, there’s also a zipped one to keep valuables secure. Italian-crafted with an adjustable leather strap and metal clasp with light gold finish, this smooth cowhide-leather purse is sleek but still strong enough to hold books, a notebook, and other items you’ll need for a day out in the city. This model is even customizable and can be monogrammed in gold on the back of the bag — voilà, the perfect gift for that friend who has everything. 

Zara Mesh Bucket Bag

The French have a way of making even something as simple as a mesh grocery shopping bag look chic. In summer, these bags often double as beach tote s, stuffed with Turkish towels and espadrilles. A version that plays on the simple household staple and gives it a major upgrade is this bucket bag from Zara, which is lined with an interior fabric bag and closes shut with a drawstring. Buckles cinch either side of the adjustable shoulder strap making it feel more like a purse than a casual carry-all for the market — although it would be a very stylish way to store produce from the morning marché in Paris. 

If you're looking for an affordable beach bag that will ship quickly ahead of your next trip, take a look at this $14 mesh tote at Amazon that's become so popular, more than 3,000 were bought last month. It has more than 6,500 perfect reviews and an impressive 4.7 rating, so you know it's been properly vetted.

Jiechengjophoo Mini Top-Handle Crossbody

Lately, on the métro, I’ve been noticing purses are micro-sized, large enough to hold AirPods, lip gloss, and a few credit cards. This tangerine top handle clutch is a stylish way to store accessories, and — the best part! — you won’t have to dig around to find them. The faux croc makes this glorified coin purse look much more expensive than it is. And, at under $20, it’s an easy purchase that doesn’t require a huge investment but will add that much-welcome pop of color signifying summer is finally here. 

As someone who only recently got on the bandwagon when it comes to colors that aren’t neutral, this shade — which resembles Hermès orange — is one I’ve been gravitating toward lately for everything from dresses to bags. “It's sooo cute — it’s a perfect ‘leave your purse at home’ date night kinda purse,” says one shopper . Another adds : “I have a Michael Kors orange purse and wallet and this color is a pretty good match! This purse is awesome quality for the price and is sewn really well.” 

J.Crew Berkeley Bucket Bag

A bucket bag is a timeless piece that deserves a place in your purse rotation, but what I love about summer in Europe is how canvas becomes the de facto fabric for the season — and this version is one of the chicest I’ve seen yet. Trimmed with cognac-colored leather with stripes running down either side and a simple tie closure, this bucket bag is structured without being bulky — and has enough space to tote a laptop or books. 

The oar-shaped details at the base of the handles (a nod to the brand’s labels from the ‘80s and ‘90s) gives it a sophisticated, vintage feel, and you can even add a personalized touch with a gold or silver foil monogram stamp. I can’t wait to wear this with a trench coat and sailor jeans in late spring or with patterned Zimmermann shorts and a breezy linen top in summer when I’m down in Nice and Cannes. It’s also a much more affordable alternative to pricey designer counterparts from Saint Laurent and Celine. 

JW PEI Aylin Canvas & Quinn Vegan Leather Cell Phone Crossbody Bag

You might’ve noticed a pattern of phone bags and canvas galore, and this polished crossbody, which is loved by Oprah , beautifully combines the two trends. The phone bag is swathed in textured canvas with black leather trim and a black vegan leather back. There are plenty of credit card slots, a pocket for your phone secured by a snap closure, and your keys can be hung from the outside hook.  “This bag is solid and well made,” a shopper wrote . “It’s very practical yet very stylish for on the go.”

In summer, when you want to feel as light as possible, this sleek crossbody won’t weigh you down as you’re cycling along the coast in Brittany or strolling through medieval perched villages in Provence. Plus, you can easily throw it into a larger travel tote so that it’s easier to find your phone and essentials while on a plane. Shop it in a brown version too, which seems to be the color for summer 2024.

Rouje Small Leather Bibi Bag

This vintage-inspired style from French-girl cool brand Rouje is a great everyday summer staple that can be worn with breezy dresses and wedges, a bikini and knit coverup, or with a more dressed-up ensemble like wide-leg jeans, a tailored linen blazer, and micro kitten heels. Adjustable so it can be worn over the shoulder or crossbody, this timeless piece is one that I’ll never get tired of — and it’ll be a great travel bag to bring on my trips since it’s compact and structured enough to pack in a carry-on and won’t get crushed.

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