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· Posted on May 23, 2026

27 Products You’ll Want Before Summer Goes Into Full Swing

You still have time to get your new summer tote or ~cooling~ bed sheets.

by Curtis Teegardin BuzzFeed Contributor

I am a Shopping & Products contributor and former BuzzFeed Shopping fellow who covers tech, fashion, cleaning, beauty, and budget-friendly alternatives to cult-fave products.

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1. A Supergoop Play Lip Shield with SPF30 that's like sunscreen for your pout because, yes, your lips can get sunburned too (ouch). This little lifesaver is water-resistant, packed with nourishing oils like coconut and avocado, and comes in fun flavors like mint, strawberry, and coconut. It's smooth, non-sticky, and gives you that subtle ~shine~ on your lips while actually protecting them.

Amazon, Amazon

Promising review: "I love these! I’m obsessed with working SPF into my daily routine. These are great low-maintenance lip balms for everyday, even without the extra sun protection. I was worried about a sunscreen flavor/scent, but it’s not bad at all. I can smell it a little at first, but the mint covers it up. The texture is perfect, not too soft and not too hard. It glides on like butter and stays put for a couple of hours. It’s not shiny, more like a waxy balm than a gloss. If I’m wearing a lip color, I’ll put this on first and layer the color on top, which makes the lipstick slightly more sheer. I will probably buy more so I always have one with me." —Emily R

Get it from Amazon for $10 (available in three flavors and a three-pack with all flavors).

2. A bladeless neck fan for when it's so hot you're considering becoming nocturnal. This bladeless, hands-free fan wraps around your neck and sends out a cool breeze in all directions — without messing up your hair or sounding like a jet engine. It's rechargeable, lightweight, and has different speed settings so you can control your personal chill zone as you're commuting, walking the dog, or just trying to survive summer.

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "This arrived quickly, love the color, had NO chemical or new plastic fumes, already had a bit of a charge to test it before charging it fully. I must say both [my husband and I] are impressed with the amount of power it has on all [three] settings. The sound isn't too loud for my senses, and I actually enjoy the fan sound, as it's quite soothing in a crowded space. Looking forward to having some much needed breeze relief throughout the summer!" —Linda

Get it from Amazon for $26.99+ (available in nine colors).

3. A lightweight Ultimate Ears Wonderboom with ~flotation capabilities~ so it won't sink like a rock if it accidentally falls in the pool — and no one wants to deal with that party foul. It boasts an impressive 131-foot range, so if you wander from the speaker as you're hosting, it'll keep playing your ~song of the summer.~

www.amazon.com

It also features 360-degree audio, allowing everyone to hear your exceptional taste in music flawlessly. Additionally, it features various modes, including "podcast" to enhance vocals for a rich and clear sound, and "outdoor" for louder audio.

Promising review: "Works great, the sound quality is fantastic! projects exceptionally well. Has a podcast setting. The standard setting is a little heavy on the base, but I misplaced the manual, so I'm unsure if it can be adjusted. It turns off when not in use, it's the perfect size, and I really like that you can hang it up. Connectivity is easy; it stays connected all the time, so you don't have to keep reconnecting every time it turns off, unlike cheaper speakers. The battery lasts for days, it works while charging, that a bonus, and they have color options. It's very well-designed and well-made. Good value for the money, you get what you pay for. This speaker is definitely worth the price; it's a high-quality product. You will not be disappointed." —Jonathan W Landers

Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in four colors).

4. A waterproof pouch for your summer water activities. Reviewers say it's completely waterproof and that they can still take crystal-clear photos through the plastic. Because what's a summer with no-brag-worthy photos to show off?

www.amazon.com

It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners, if you're caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options).

Here's what BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly has to say about it: "With these, I find that they're good for about a day due to condensation. I've used this case to take underwater pics, on boat rides, and have worn it with the lanyard jumping off a boat into water. So I really trust these!" 

Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck. And so it, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river. Fast-forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it, and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" —Julie McDonald

Get it from Amazon for $6.99+ (available in 13 colors).

5. Bioré's UV Aqua Rich moisturizer *with* SPF 50 if you want to cover your hydration, sun protection, *and* makeup primer needs from just one product. This noncomedogenic, hyaluronic acid–infused formula helps moisturize skin and leaves behind zero white cast across all skin tones. All of this for THAT price tag? Talk about a win. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I use this Biore UV Aqua Rich every day and love how lightweight it feels on my skin. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t feel greasy, and works great under makeup. My face feels hydrated and protected, with no white cast. Perfect for daily use." —Estrella Tamallo

Get it from Amazon for $14.99.

6. Or, Black Girl Sunscreen, a cult-fave product that protects, moisturizes, and seamlessly blends on deeper tones. The SPF-30 formula has nourishing oils like jojoba and avocado to help keep skin hydrated while shielding you from UVA/UVB rays. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great option if you're going to the beach or pool.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love this sunscreen! As someone with melanin-rich skin, finding a formula that doesn’t leave a chalky or gray cast has always been a struggle — but this one is perfect. The texture is lightweight, smooth, and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. My skin feels hydrated all day, and I love that it doubles as both a moisturizer and SPF, saving me a step in my routine. It’s great for both face and body, so it’s super convenient for everyday use or when I’m on the go. No white residue, no heavy scent, and no irritation — just protected skin with a natural finish. This is officially my new go-to sunscreen, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing!" —Shen

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

7. A dishwasher-safe HydroJug water bottle with triple-wall stainless steel insulation so your water can stay cold or room-temp for hours on end. It has a flippable straw, a leakproof lid, and a non-slip rubber base, so it's less likely to tip over. Plus, the straw is detachable, so you can clean it easily!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great leak-proof water bottle. I ordered this to take on a beach trip, and it was perfect — you can fill it up, it holds plenty of water, and keeps your drink cold all day. The best part is that if it falls over in your bag or in the sand, it doesn't spill, and the attached straw doesn't fall out. Such a great travel cup. Very stylish pattern as well" —Aberfitchgr534

Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in two sizes and 22 colors).

8. A stick of unscented Body Glide anti-chafing balm if the skin around your thighs, arms, or neck has gotten raw as you go about your day... ouch. Simply ~glide~ this balm over any trouble spots, and you'll help prevent any irritation from occurring. Plus, its smallest size is so compact that you can throw it in your bag or fanny pack!

Amazon

BodyGlide is a small business that specializes in chafe-preventing personal care products. 

Check out why BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord *loves* this: "I swear by this to the point where if I can't find it in the morning of a run, I just won't go out, LOLOL. My boobs chafe SO BADLY under my sports bra bands, no matter what kind I'm wearing, but putting on a tiny bit of this before I leave works like a charm. Absolutely no more friction and no more going "OW OW OW" in the shower because my literal boob wounds were stinging."

Promising review: "This was a TikTok buy and it was worth it. Highly recommend it. It does the work. Long lasting and not sticky at all." —EBATL

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three sizes and various packs).

9. An inflatable tanning pool so you can catch rays without overheating — even if you don't have a pool or beach nearby! This features two oversize cup holders, a removable pillow, and a drain valve to make your "poolside time" convenient, comfy, and easy from start to finish. And say you don't want to use it as a pool, you can *also* use it as a bed to watch outdoor movies underneath the stars. ✨

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Ugh, I love this little pool so much, it’s the perfect size for two people to lounge, holds a lot of water, has cup holders, super stable, and has a little pillow! Great value for the cost! Literally saving my life this summer!" —Angel

Get it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in two sizes and 10 colors).

10. A beach umbrella with UV 50 protection to provide shade for the people who don't want to bake in the sun all day long. It's designed with a genius sand anchor that naturally rotates into the sand, meaning you don't have to dig a hole to keep the umbrella upright. Plus, you can tilt the umbrella up to 30 degrees to block the moving sun, and it has an air vent to withstand high winds. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Very happy with this Ammsun 8-foot large beach umbrella. Our family normally rents an umbrella at the beach, but last year we decided to go out on a limb and purchase one. After reading many reviews, I landed on this one, and I’m so glad we did. Even on a very windy day, our umbrella stayed extremely sturdy and had great stability. It’s not very heavy to carry to the beach and comes with a carrying sleeve. Great value for the money and we will get many years of use." —Kristen

Get it from Amazon for $56.95+ (available in nine styles).

11. L’Oréal Paris Makeup True Match Lumi Glotion for an illuminating glow that easily rivals the infamous Drunk Elephant's bronzing drops. It's designed to be worn alone, under foundation, or use it as a highlighter on your cheekbones! Reviewers like this *more* than Drunk Elephant because it can be worn as a skin tint and it's less glittery.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It's also infused with shea butter!

Promising review: "Love love love this stuff. This is such a stellar product that is so versatile. Can be worn alone to put some glowy life to skin. Add to foundation or layer it. Beautiful. Use it as a base where you put highlighter on top. Mix some with moisturizer. This, in my opinion, is better than so many high-luxury brands that make similar products. And I am pretty sure it can be used by all skin types. It’s not an oily feeling at all, and it doesn’t dry out the skin either. Just a total package. Can’t beat the price either." —Figgy08

Get it from Amazon for $12.54+ (available in five shades and also in two-packs).

12. A foldable wagon you can use to carry all of the things you don't wanna lug in the hot summer sun — it can hold up to 250 pounds! It's made of waterproof material and has durable wheels, meaning you can take it through muddy, puddle-ridden areas without any worry it'll get ruined. The wheels are detachable (aka cleaning is easy) and once you're done with it, you can fold it and store it compactly!

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Easy to put together, seems to fit a lot of items, yet it's smaller — will fit one toddler perfectly for a fun walk outside. It will be perfect for taking to the beach, hauling groceries, yard sales, or flea markets. Easily collapses into a portable, easy-to-store wagon. Has some great pockets for storage, as well." —Bag Lady

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three sizes, seven colors, and a style with a zipper top).

13. A portable Ninja blender that has a detachable motor base so you can travel with *only* your smoothie. It features Auto IQ technology that automatically blends with its three preset functions (smoothie, crush, and blend). The dedicated power button means you won't accidentally blend when you don't want to, and it can create a 22-ounce frozen drink with ease!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The BEST portable blender out there! The cup to blend in is a great size, and the blending power is amazing. Crushes ice or frozen fruit so easily. Great for smoothies or summer fancy drinks!!" —Pretty Living Co

Get it from Amazon for $99.99 (available in six colors).

14. A lightweight, waterproof Simple Modern tote bag made of rubber so you can hose it down if it gets gross or too much sand seeps in. It has a treaded, non-slip bottom and a detachable, water-resistant zipper pocket for phones or other valuables. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "The Simple Modern Large Bag has been fantastic! It’s spacious enough to carry everything I need, from gym gear to work supplies, and the design is sleek and stylish. The material feels durable and high-quality, the zippers work smoothly, and the bag is easy to clean. The straps are comfortable, even when the bag is full, and it’s perfect for everyday use or travel. A practical, well-made, and stylish bag — highly recommend!" —Kelsea

Get it from Amazon for $53.99+ (available in three sizes and 28 colors).

15. A set of Mellanni sheets for a super comfortable night's rest — even if you overheat and sweat while sleeping! Reviewers love how they're affordable, wrinkle-resistant, and don't pill (aka easy to care for!) One person even said, "They are magic to sleep on."

www.amazon.com

Just make sure to dry these on low or hang-dry if you want to keep them in great condition!

Promising review: "I very rarely write reviews; however, these sheets are amazing. They shipped in one day! I was so excited after reading all of the great reviews, but was skeptical, because how can something so cheap be so great? Normally, I spend over $100 plus on king-size sheets. I ordered these in white with four extra pillow cases, all for around $50. They wash up so nicely. They fit our king-size bed so well that it didn't take two people to stretch and pull to put them on. They are so comfortable to sleep on, they stay cool when you sleep, it's like magic. I will order more for the other rooms in the house. One of the best things I have purchased online. I never purchase these items online because I never know how they will feel. Listen to the reviews on this one!" —Norma

Get it from Amazon for $34.97+ (available in sizes twin–California king, plus sheet sets with deep pockets for taller mattresses and 43 colors and patterns).

16. A Martha Stewart Ice Cream Maker that can make up to 16 servings of the best summer sweet treat within 20 minutes or less! You can make ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, sherbet, or even frozen drinks — whatever your overheated heart desires. Just freeze the bowl overnight, add your ingredients, choose your mode, customize with any ~mix-ins,~ and wait until it's ready.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Absolutely love this Martha Stewart ice cream maker! The freezer bowl design makes homemade ice cream incredibly easy without a bulky compressor machine taking up counter space. I froze the bowl overnight, poured in my mixture, and had smooth, creamy homemade vanilla ice cream in about 20 minutes. The texture came out rich and consistent, and the mix in chute is great for adding chocolate chips, cookie pieces, fruit, or candy while churning. I’ve already used it for ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet, and everything has turned out great so far. I also appreciate how easy this frozen dessert maker is to clean and store. The design looks beautiful on the counter and feels very well-made for the price. If you are looking for a compact homemade ice cream maker that is simple to use and makes delicious ice cream quickly, I highly recommend this Martha Stewart freezer bowl ice cream maker!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $79.99 (available in five colors).

17. A clip-on fan you can attach to baby strollers, beach equipment, car seats, or anywhere else in need of an extra breeze. It can last at least 3.5 hours *and* has a 360-degree rotating head and three interchangeable speeds. The long bendable tripod legs means that it's easy to attach anywhere and will stay put once you wrap them around.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Great fan. The fan itself is great; it has different speeds, charges fast, and lasts a decent amount of time. Not loud, so great for naps. The part I like the most, though, is the grips/legs of the fan you can twist after to get it in the perfect spot. I use it on a doggy stroller for my dogs. They can overheat fast in the summer. I do not have kids. I also use it on my nightstand sometimes when I have a migraine. I’ll lie down in a dark room with cool air hitting me to help with some relief. Overall, great fan worth the purchase." —Jessica Hang

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in six colors).

18. A large waterproof outdoor picnic blanket that'll accompany you to any park or grassy area you find yourself in. It unfolds to 80 inches by 80 inches and comfortably fits 6–8 sitting adults. It's lightweight, machine washable, and easy to fold. Now no one in your party will have to volunteer to sit on the grass and get their butt all dirty. 🙏🏼 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This is amazing! I feel like this type of thing is usually so hard to fold back up into the 'bag' to carry around, but this is actually super easy and folds up so well! When folded, it’s so small and easy to keep in the back of the car, but it unfolds to be huge! It’s waterproof, so we used it for a playdate after it had recently rained and NOTHING got wet! Just had to rinse off the mud from the underside after. My mom friend bought the same one right after the play date, she loved it so much!" —Catherine Christina

Get it from Amazon for $29.98+ (available in five colors).

19. Or, a portable hammock with 4-in-1 functionality so you can *also* use it as a poncho, shelter, or cloth to lie on. It comes with talon straps, carabiners, guy lines, and a storage bag so you can immediately go find a shady space to relax in once this comes in the mail. This is made of rip-resistant nylon and can hold up to 400 pounds, meaning there's no worry you'll fall through as you're vibing to music or reading a book.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This hammock has completely upgraded my outdoor space. The material is soft, breathable, and incredibly durable, perfect for long afternoons relaxing outside. It supports the body comfortably without sagging, giving a weightless, soothing feel. Installation was simple, and the sturdy straps keep everything secure. I love how compact and lightweight it is, making it easy to move or store. The vibrant color adds a beautiful touch to the yard. Ideal for resting, reading, or just enjoying the breeze. Truly a must-have for any patio or garden." —Carmen Callejas Aparicio

Get it from Amazon for $22.88+ (available in four sizes and 21 colors).

20. And some waterproof playing cards, so if the sore loser in your group throws the cards in the water, they'll stay in perfect condition. Talk about giving a whole new definition to go fish...

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "These have an amazing design and are very adorable. They have a significant weight to them that allows them to stay put with a slight freeze and have made playing cards by the pool on the beach a breeze." —WRL

Get it from Amazon for $5.99.

21. An outdoor bug zapper lantern capable of wiping out the annoying flying insects that keep zinging past your ears. The blue-violet light attracts insects, the 4,200-volt kills them, and then they collect at the bottom of the removable tray so you can easily dispose of what you "catch"... so to speak. It has a little loop on top so you can hang this in the prime spot where all of the pests like to congregate.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I got this about a week ago. All I had to do was hang it and plug it in! It's lightweight, and the size is perfect. When I plugged it in, literally within 10 seconds, it was zapping the bloodsuckers. I turn it on at dusk and off about 11 p.m. At this point, it has left hundreds, if not thousands, of carcasses in the collection tray! Mostly mosquitoes, but also moth flies, all sorts of unwanted critters. I've bought similar in the past, but not as good as this. Worth every penny in my wooded back yard." —Kevin D.

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

22. And, a two-pack of Off! citronella-scented candles to help keep the mosquitoes at bay because they are PERSISTENT — and annoying. These offer up to 25 hours of burn time and work once you start burning them. Bonus: they also smell amazing!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This citronella candle is adorable and perfect for a small patio table! It looks great as part of our outdoor setup and actually helps keep mosquitoes away in close range. Ideal for intimate spaces — plus the container is super cute and decorative. Definitely a nice little addition to backyard evenings!" —Leticia B

Get it from Amazon for $10.99+ (available in two sizes).

23. A hand-blown, fruit-infusing glass water pitcher so you can enjoy your very own spa water from the comfort of your home. This has a detachable infuser you can fill up with whatever you want, or you can use it for iced tea, lemonade, or even sangria. Now you can have an ice-cold bevvie waiting for you at all times.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "If Zeus himself descended from Olympus and offered me ambrosia, I’d politely decline and gesture toward *this* glass water pitcher — with an infuser so divine, I assume it was forged in a minimalist Scandinavian volcano by monks who whisper cucumber haikus. Every morning, I wake up, slice lemons and cucumbers with the precision of a Bond villain prepping for brunch, and drop them into the infuser like I’m summoning a spa goddess. Within minutes, this vessel transforms my tap water (aka municipal disappointment) into the nectar of enlightened houseplants and people who wear linen on purpose. The glass? Crystal-clear, like my intentions to stay hydrated and smug. The infuser? Long enough to steep flavor and *life advice* into every drop. The lid? Fits tighter than my jeans after three margaritas; no leaks, no drips, no regrets. Friends come over. They see it on the counter. They whisper, 'Oh, you *do* self-care.' And I nod solemnly, like a monk who has just reached level cucumber. Buy it. Own it. Name it. Mine is called Sir Infusé, and he serves me well." —Bailey East

Get it from Amazon for $22.99.

24. A zero-alcohol Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel made from freshly cut aloe leaves, so you can help treat your sunburns. It's designed to absorb fast into skin and help treat both your face and body. Many reviewers describe this as the "best" because it leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized — and they say it's truly effective at relieving pain from burns! BTW, this stuff has 60,000 5-star reviews. 🤯

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

It's recommended to patch-test this on a small area of your body before applying it to the whole body. 

Seven Minerals is a family-owned small business that makes soaps, moisturizers, massage oils, and more!

Promising review: "Visiting sunny Florida, after a long Iowa winter, I use a lot of aloe. This Seven Minerals gel is one of the best I've tried. It absorbs quickly with no sticky residue and has clean, minimal ingredients. It works great for sunburn relief, daily face moisturizing, and for instantly hydrating dry skin. No fragrance and junk thickeners. Highly recommend!" —DKSFam

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three sizes).

25. A floatable "Pool Pong" game if you or your friend has a pool and you want to spice up your normal game rotation. This floatie turns cup pong into a water activity and has all the cup inserts you need to play all summer long. It comes with 10 balls and even doubles as a normal lounger in the pool if you find yourself riding solo on a hot summer day.

Amazon

If you decide to play this with alcohol, drink responsibly!!

Promising review: "This product gets used by people of all ages at my house. Kids and adults. We don't even put alcohol in it, and it's fun for the whole family. This is a fun game for the pool. You can use it for many things. A raft, a cooler, a game, or even to hold drinks. My family and I would recommend for any family." —Erin in New York

Get it from Amazon for $26.99.

26. A 100-count of Fla-Vor-Ice popsicles that come in delicious flavors like berry punch, grape, strawberry, lemon lime, orange, and tropical punch. Just freeze them, cut the top, push it up, and enjoy! Nothing hits like an ice pop during the summer.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Tastes of our childhoods! The ones they sell in stores under other names are not even comparable to these! They are just as I remembered, top-notch flavors! My grandbabes love them as well!" —Tammy

Get it from Amazon for $10.24+ (available in two sizes).

27. A compact yet extendable window sunshade to avoid the "OW!" heard around the parking lot after putting your bare legs on the sizzling leather seat. Once you attach the adhesive strips, you'll be ready to shade your car instantly — so now you CAN park in the sunny spot that would otherwise make your car one billion degrees.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Love this window shade! It's so easy to use, just pull it across and put it in the notch on the other size. No trying to fold it up correctly and fit it in a door pocket when not in use. I do wish it had a cutout for my rearview mirror, but it still keeps my car cool in the summer. My husband said it was easy to install, too!" —Kathleen D. Wallis

Get it from Amazon for $45.99+ (available in three sizes). 

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BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.