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40 Problem-Solving Products For Anyone Who Would Rather Skip Summer

Summer may be your least favorite season, but it doesn’t have to be.

Posted 7 hours ago

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by Rebecca O'Connell BuzzFeed BuzzFeed Staff

As a BuzzFeed Shopping editor, my goal is to find all the products actually worth buying.

OK, so maybe summer is kind of the worst. You're hot, sweaty, and covered in bugs. But it could be the best if you plan accordingly! After all, who doesn't love a beach trip or getting blasted with the air conditioner? With the help of affordable blackout curtains, a proper sun shade, and a super-effective fruit fly trap, this could be your best summer yet.

1. A Shibumi wind-blown shade that sails with as little as a 3-mph breeze, providing much-needed shade for up to eight people. Since it's designed to float through the air, it's flexible and won't blow away or fall over. 

Rebecca O'Connell / BuzzFeed

I know this thing is spendy, but I regret to inform you it's absolutely worth it. It solves every annoying problem that comes with a traditional umbrella. First of all, it takes literally less than five minutes to set up and break down. You need two people to do it, but it's so easy, you don't even need the instructions. Once it's up, it provides A TON of shade but doesn't overly obscure the view of the people behind you. Even the tiniest hint of a breeze will get the fabric moving, and it flutters in the wind kind of like a flag — it's pretty relaxing to watch! Thanks to the front weight, there's no fear of it blowing away in the wind and impaling someone. If there's truly no breeze, there are additional weights you can attach to the back to create a tent-like structure. When you're done, you can just shove it back into the bag without any strategic folding. This thing is a game changer if you hate setting up beach umbrellas or tents! 

Get it from Amazon for $305 or Shibumi for $215+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).

2. Mosquito Dunks to kill mosquitos before they're even big enough to bite you. They're made with a bacteria that's only toxic to mosquito larvae, so you don't have to worry about pets or wildlife.

Amazon

You can throw these in your watering can or any standing water in your backyard. They contain BTI, a bacterium toxic to mosquito larvae. The treatment lasts up to a month and treats 100 square feet of surface water. 

Promising review: "So far, this is the best method I have found to rid your houseplants of pesky flies, gnats, and other unwelcome guests. I keep half a dunk in my watering can at all times. When it dissolves (usually after a couple of months), I replace it with another. Works great on the houseplants. I tried a lot of other stuff first, and nothing compared." —private

Get a six-pack from Amazon for $8.58.

3. A pack of SweatBlock wipes for people who have been known to sweat through their clothes...and their back-up clothes. Just wipe your underarms at night, go to sleep, wake, and rinse off the residue, then enjoy a day with extra protection! 

Amazon

This stuff is STRONG, so make sure you do a spot test first — especially if you have sensitive skin.

Promising review: "For anyone who might be skeptical, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be 9 degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sports coat before noon. Enter the Sweat Block product. I've had it for three weeks, and it is life-changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat. I was sweating through my shirt on my back — BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" —Frosty McGee

Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $19.97.

4. A hair tie keychain that fits up to three elastics and takes up exactly zero bag space because you can clip it anywhere. Bon voyage, annoying indents on your wrists!

Amazon

Promising review: "I have left the house on numerous occasions and needed a hair tie and could never find one. I could dig through my purse, diaper bags, and car, and there was never a hair tie lying around. I have had to refill this hair-tie holder on about five occasions because of how many times I've taken hair ties off for myself and the friends who need one. Great invention." —Samantha

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in three colors). 

5. Towel bands because you don't need anything interrupting your juicy mystery novel, especially a towel bunching up or falling on your head after a strong gust of wind. And if you're going on a cruise or planning to visit a hotel pool, these will help your seat stand out in a sea of identical towels. 

Amazon

Promising review: "Took these bands on a cruise. They kept the towel secured to the lounge chair even with gusts of wind. Others had clips, and the clips kept popping off. People asked where I got these and were impressed [by] how sturdy they are." —KT

Get them from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in four colors).

6. Reusable Nippies nipple covers that'll come in clutch when you want to wear a backless dress or bodysuit, but don't want your nipples to be part of the look. According to reviewers, these pasties hang on, even in hot, sweaty situations. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

You can get about 10 wears out of them.

Promising review: "I literally wear these covers all the time. They really are seamless, and I love the shades they have; these blend perfectly into my skin tone. As someone with small breasts, strapless bras never really were for me, as they always rode down, and I would have to adjust them throughout the day. With these, it’s just so much more comfy, and they really are sweat-proof; they do not budge. I live in California, and it’s summer right now, so it’s been like 85–95 degrees, and I can wear these with no issue!! I wash them after every wear and put them back in the casing it comes with." —Marilyn Miranda

Get them from Amazon for $26.50+ (available in three sizes, five shades, and two styles).

BuzzFeed Shopping editor Natalie Brown swears by these pasties! Check out her Nippies review to learn more.

7. Pleated paper shades if you find that the sun is waking up way before you. This affordable solution is easy to apply (just trim, peel, and stick) and comes with clips to raise or lower them.

www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "These things are fabulous. It couldn’t be easier to put up, and once I trimmed the extra off the bottom, they’re a perfect fit. I put them in the master bedroom behind our nice-looking wood blinds AND in the kids' room. Our 7-year-old used to wake up with the sun, even with good blinds...she now sleeps through the night and will sleep in later than us! I would pay for them time and time again to get the extra peace and quiet in the morning! Thank you for these inexpensive miracle workers! Parents, do yourself a favor and get these!" —Kate

"I love these so much that I just keep buying them. I think I've reviewed them like five times already, but whatever. They are that awesome. If you are renting a home, traveling in hotels/at a family's house, moving to a new house, or just having kids — these are LIFE. I've used them for years under my kids' curtains since they were babies because they truly are blackout. We are military and move A LOT, and the first thing I do is buy these before our trip because it's not always possible to hang curtains right away. They are literally just paper; they come extra wide, so you can cut them with scissors to fit your window, and they are peel-and-stick. Too easy." —BoxOps

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $29.97.

8. A set of lights with flexible goosenecks so you can grill late into the night without having to grope around blindly for your tools. The battery-operated lights are magnetic — just pop them onto the hood of your grill.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Absolutely LOVED this product. I purchased them as a gift for my brother when we were all using cell phones to see the grill one night. They are sturdy, provide sufficient lighting, and are high-temperature resistant. Be careful because when they are on the grill, they do get hot on the outside, so take them off with some protection (gloves, towel, etc). I loved them so much I ended up purchasing a pair for my grill as well." —MVega

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in black or silver). 

9. A 156-gallon inflatable pool big enough for both kids and adults to enjoy some outdoor fun. As you can see, there's enough room for an inner tube, AND there's a cup holder, so this may be your go-to hangout spot all summer long. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I have had this pool for about two weeks now, and I LOVE IT!!! Was simple to set up; I got a little electric pump, and it took about 10 minutes to inflate, then about half an hour to fill with water. Pay attention to make sure you set it up on level ground, or it will be lopsided. I live in South Carolina, so it is already hot and humid, and I use it about every afternoon. It is probably good for two adults, maybe one adult and a couple of kids. The built-in seat and headrest are really quite comfy and relaxing. I will definitely buy this same pool again if it springs a leak and can't be fixed. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!" —kathryn j.

Get it from Amazon for $52.15.

10. A reusable plug-in fly trap with a built-in light that'll work like a siren song, luring hapless flying insects to their demise. It calls out to fruit flies and gnats up to 400 feet away, so you can finally reclaim your home WITHOUT having to look at a gross fly trap roll. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the plug-in fly trap in action. 

Promising review: "I can’t say enough wonderful things about these handy little bug catchers! They are simple to use, cheap to refill, and catch a ton of small bugs and flies. I have eight of them now, all around my house! It’s a little gross how many tiny flying insects are around…but it makes me feel a lot better now that I have these!" —Chris H. 

Get one device and two glue cards from Amazon for $10.59 (also available in other pack sizes).

11. Washable bra liners to absorb under-boob sweat before it has a chance to bleed through your shirt. Reviewers note that it does the impossible and actually makes wearing a wire bra more tolerable! 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "These are so, so soft. I tuck them under my breasts and then ease my bra on top, and they stay in place all day. At the end of the day, they might be very damp, but my skin is comfy. Also, I'm able to rotate through them, letting them dry in between, and get a good three uses out of each before I wash them. Even then, they don't smell. Hand washing is best, but I've washed them with a mesh bag, and they were mostly OK. Easy to smooth out. I've also worn these without a bra. I needed to adjust them a bit, but I have never lost them. (My bra size is about 38 DDD)." —Leigh B

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in sizes M–XXL and three colors).

12. A pack of mini fans you can plug into your phone for instant fan action. The breeze is pretty nice for the size *and* you don't have to carry a bulky fan around with you. 

Amazon

These come with a converter, so they work for Lightning and USB-C ports. 

Promising review: "I work in an area where the AC doesn't always work so well. I can fit this little gem in my pocket and use it whenever I need to cool down a bit. It just plugs into the charging port and starts right away. It gives nice airflow for such a little fan and connects to Android (C-port only) and iPhones. I loved these so much, I bought a bunch to give to co-workers and family." —K.B.

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $13.98.

13. Or a stroller fan sporting bendable legs that can wrap around the bars to provide a cooling breeze your toddler is sure to appreciate. On top of keeping your little one cool, it can also be used at outdoor tables, chairs, or anywhere that has a pole for the bendy fan to cling to. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This fan was so perfect for our trip to Disney World! Powerful little fan! The heat was pretty much unbearable, but this fan kept our littlest one cool. The LED light was perfect at night for seeing where we were walking. Make sure you bring a power bank, though, for extended use. It really saved us."—Kimmy

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in six colors).

14. A pre-swim hair cream to help people whose hair usually gets frizzy, brittle, or a little green after a summer spent in the pool. The aloe-infused formula creates a protective barrier between your delicate locks and chlorine, so you don't have to worry about a damaged, matted mess after your next swim. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This stuff is AMAZING! Literally nothing else keeps tangles out of my daughter’s hair like this does. Her hair is so thick and very difficult to brush; this makes it easy-peasy to brush the tangles out after a swim in the pool. It also softens her hair. When not used, the pool chemicals make her hair very stiff and dry. We even use this every once in a while just because! It smells wonderful and doesn’t make the hair greasy in any way. I cannot recommend this product enough!!!" —Emily

Get it from Amazon for $22.99.

15. A mini air pump you can keep in your pocket for all types of summer emergencies: impromptu pool parties, unexpected guests looking for an air mattress to sleep on, deflated neck pillows, etc. It also works to REMOVE air so you can vacuum-seal winter clothing. Oh, oh! And it comes with a camping light for nighttime adventures. 

www.amazon.com

Because it's so portable, you'll likely find yourself bringing pool floats everywhere. The 2600 mAh battery is perfect for smaller items that don't need a ton of pressure, so no tires, balloons, or sports balls. 

Promising review: "I am very happy with this purchase. I took this on a backpacking trip, and it made inflating my sleeping mat a breeze because it is so light to carry. It offers great versatility with its attachments and a solid build, making it a reliable tool for field use. It does get loud during operation, but it was easy and doesn't get that hot. Fantastic addition to my kit." —Sean

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in three colors). 

16. Lottabody's Wrap Me foaming mousse, a whipped cream–like delight that defines curls, moisturizes with shea and coconut oil, and tackles frizz. The foam makes it super easy to distribute throughout your hair, and the heavenly scent will make you feel like you're on a tropical vacation — and 51,000 customers have given this budget-friendly find a thumbs up! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This works best for wavy and curly hair. Check out its result on TikTok. 

Promising reviews: "I have tried many different types of foam and mousse, but this is my holy grail. I plop my hair in a microfiber wrap for about 10 min, scrunch out any excess water, section my hair into two sections, and apply four pumps of this mousse to each section, scrunching each time. Once it’s applied, I squeeze my hair once more with my microfiber and diffuse on low heat until it’s 80% dry, and I’m left with lovely curls. I apply no other products, just my shampoo, conditioner, and this mousse. :)" —Ashes

Get it from Amazon for $4.22. 

17. A roll of aloe wrap you can cut into the perfect shape to best cover your sunburnt body. The hydro-gel wrap is infused with aloe vera, green tea, and vitamin E to help soothe and moisturize skin and prevent excessive peeling. Just slap these forbidden Fruit Rollups on your red skin and marinate for 20-40 minutes for best results. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I got absolutely FRIED at the beach this past weekend and tried everything under the sun (literally) to provide some relief for my sunburn. I was in so much pain, and every over-the-counter aloe gel, lidocaine, and cold shower was not helping. I found this wrap on my TikTok and immediately bought it. As soon as I put this on my burn, I was immediately relieved of any burning or irritation. I am wearing four patches right now, and I plan on wearing them all day, every day, until this burn heals. I will say the only downside is that they slip off when the aloe has worn off! And it is a little bit hard to maneuver to cut since it is so slippery. But overall, I love this product and will be a forever customer!" —Nick

Get it from Amazon for $16.99.

18. A waterproof Essence Lash Princess lengthening mascara that 57,000+ reviewers confirm is lightweight, won't transfer, doesn't smudge, and lasts all day — even if someone pushes you in the pool. Why Essence only charges $5 for such an S-tier mascara is beyond me, but we're all grateful. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love this brand of mascara. The waterproof formula does not budge. It stays on 'til you take it off. Best waterproof mascara I've ever used by far. The price is also incredible!" —Cindy P

Check out BuzzFeed Shopping editor Kayla Boyd's Essence Lash Princess mascara review to learn more!

Get it from Amazon for $4.97.

19. Avon's Skin So Soft bath oil, which, yes, moisturizes skin with jojoba oil after a shower, but also has a secret second use: One TikToker explained she uses it to avoid bug bites, and the comments confirm it's A Thing! Possibly the move if you're not planning on wearing actual bug spray, but still wanna have some protection from mosquitoes. 

www.amazon.com

Check out the full explainer on TikTok. Heads up: As far as bug sprays go, the CDC only recommends formulas with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD, and 2-undecanone, so I don't recommend using this in super buggy areas. That said, based on the reviews, you should probably be covered for casual picnics and backyard hangs. 

Promising review: "We live in an area heavily populated by mosquitoes, and this keeps them from biting better than actual bug spray. I purchased several cans of Off spray bug repellent for myself and my husband this summer, and bought this to use for my young kiddos because I figured it would be safer. My mom used this on me in the '90s, and I remember it working like a charm. After a few hours spent outside on the 4th of July, I had 32 mosquito bites on my legs. I sprayed myself with Off four times throughout those hours because I kept feeling them bite me. My kids were unscathed. I believe my oldest walked away with only one bite on his back, which would've been under his shirt, where I did not spray. A week later, my husband and I spent some time outside in the evening on our hammock. He used Off, and I used this. He had several bites while I had one or two new ones. I think that says it all. Yes, the scent hasn't changed, and it still smells like the '90s; it also still has an oily feel to it. But it's worth it!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $25.49.

20. A Revlon volcanic face roller way easier to use than those disposable blotting pads. You just roll the volcanic stone over any oily or sweaty areas on your face and then pop it in your bag for later. It doesn't even mess with your makeup! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Just twist the ring to pop out the stone, then wash it with a mild soap/cleanser and let it air dry after every use. This roller has nearly 38,000+ 5-star ratings! 

Promising review: "This little miracle worker is a game changer for oily skin like mine. I am amazed at how much oil it absorbs without smudging or removing any of my makeup. Every time I think this oil-eating monster has had its fill and surely I should get a new one, by the next morning, the oil has disappeared, and the roller looks brand new again!! MAGIC!!" —Jason Zapata

Get it from Amazon for $6.75 (also available in rose quartz style).

21. A pair of round polarized sunglasses, because if you're going to have to brave the summer heat and strong sun, you might as well look cool while doing it. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Polarized sunglasses help reduce glare and eye strain. They also have 99.99% UVA/UVB protection! 

Promising review: "I bought these for a vacation to San Diego in May. I didn’t want to spend too much because I generally break them or leave them on the beach somewhere. These were amazing. They have awesome eye protection, a great price, and they look trendy without trying too hard! I will definitely buy these again this summer if I lose them!!" —chanpdx

Get them from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six colors).

22. A battery-operated patio umbrella light so your family can actually see each other while dining outside. The battery-powered device has 28 LEDs to properly illuminate a whole picnic table after the sun sets.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The tool-free installation is as simple as opening the unit and clamping it onto the umbrella pole. It requires four AA batteries to run, which are not included. 

Promising review: "This light is great!!! It has three settings to adjust the amount of brightness you need. The lowest level is great for just sitting around your patio table and having a couple of drinks with friends. The brightest setting is PERFECT for playing cards! We play cards a few times a month. There are two 70+-year-olds who did not complain that they couldn’t see. So, works great in my book! 😁" —Mandie Jordan

Get it from Amazon for $9.95+ (available in two light styles).

23. A L'Oréal Paris BB cream with a green-tinted formula that combats redness through the power of color theory. It doesn't stop there — it also works to even complexion, hydrate with vitamin E, and set the perfect stage for you to apply your makeup on. Turns out you don't have to drop $50+ on Dr. Jart+'s Cicapair Color Correcting Cream! 

www.amazon.com

This starts green and blends into a "universal shade," which may not be a perfect match for fair or dark skin. 

Promising review: "I swear by this. Been using it for about a year now, it goes on every day and gets all the redness off my face, when I’m in a hurry I just top it off with alittle powder, and I’m done, but it’s a perfect base layer for any makeup routine if you have a lot of redness like I do." –Andrea

Get it from Amazon for $10.97+ (available in other shades and in packs of two).

24. Or an ultra-affordable E.l.f. color corrector that comes in a ton of shades to help counteract different types of discoloration, like redness and dark spots. Mix and match to create the perfect foundation for the rest of your makeup routine.  

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "Best value for the money. Easy to apply and enough coverage — not cakey, which I liked the most. And it lasts a long time without creasing." —Vish

Get it from Amazon for $5 (available in five shades).

25. A mesh bag you can use to carry anything wet or sandy at the end of your beach day — the sand will just fall out of the bottom as you walk! As a bonus, it folds up nice and small, making it great for getaways. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "OK. I never leave reviews, but I HAD TO on this!!! BUY! BUY! BUY! We have six kids ranging from 2 months–13 and our annual beach trip was coming up this past June. I wanted a beach tote that sand wouldn't collect in. I saw this and thought I would try it. I figured it wouldn't be as big as I needed. Fast forward to the day it came in...OMG it was HUGE in person. Guys, I fit four sand buckets, four sets of beach toys, four small boogie boards in this thing, and still had a TON of room to fit more! My only regret was that I didn't buy more than one! This would also be great for laundry, or anything!!!!!"—Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

26. A flexible, adjustable sprayer that recreates the unreal relief and joy of walking under a mister at a theme park. Now, you can experience the cooling delight from the comfort of your own home with no lines or overpriced concessions in sight. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

The mister will cool the surrounding area by 20 degrees, and it comes with an interchangeable flower-shaped misting head for a fun, whimsical detail.

Promising review: "Works exactly how I want it to. Provides a fine, cool mist on the patio, allowing us to enjoy the backyard until sunset without breaking a sweat. Easy to set up. It was out of the box and cooling us off within minutes." —Debra L. Kusek

Get it from Amazon for $21.82 (also available in a two-pack).

27. A heat-activated anti-frizz treatment sure to be a total game changer for people who straighten or blow-dry their hair straight, only for it to go *poof* when they step outside. This humidity-fighting formula "waterproofs" your hair to help protect it from 'do-ruining weather. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: This product is incredible — just WOW. In all my years of existence, I was never able to tame my naturally curly hair into a sleek, silky, frizz-free look, until now. I l don't know what kind of magical sorcery went into making this product, but this stuff is amazing. —Lillee45

Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in two sizes).

28. Or L’Oréal Paris Elvive 8 Second Wonder Water, which brings you silkier hair in just eight seconds. On top of a wave of hydration, it also adds shine and decreases frizz and static. Reviewers note it's a close match to a certain Redken product, but for way cheaper. 

www.amazon.com

Use this treatment two or three times a week — one dose for fine to medium textured hair, two to three doses for thick to curly textured hair, and add one more dose if you have long hair. 

Promising reviews: "Bought this, not expecting that it would work. I've been using products in and on my hair for years, both expensive and inexpensive. This is the best I've used, bar none! It smooths and takes away the tightness of the curls. Will buy it again and again!" —Judith Cohen

"I had been using Redken's lamellar rinse with great results, but really wasn't happy with the price tag in comparison to how long the bottle lasted (about three weeks using a couple of times a week — I have long hair). I'm so glad I tried this one, because it makes my hair feel even smoother, and it's a fraction of the cost. The ingredients are exactly the same, aside from one or two ingredients toward the very bottom of the list. Highly recommend." —Caitlin B

Get it from Amazon for $10.99.

29. A set of Sea Bands for anyone still working on getting their sea legs. They apply pressure to a specific acupoint on your wrist, which many reviewers say is the key to a successful, barf-free boat trip. Other, more queasy boaters are gonna be jealous. 

www.amazon.com

I suffer from horrible motion sickness. I can't even sit in the back of a car without debilitating nausea. I'm jealous of anyone who can read a book in a moving vehicle. I decided to try these out for a long bus trip, and they really work! As long as the plastic dots are in the correct place (slightly lower on the wrist), the bracelets do their job. Just know that they're not miracle workers — I wore them on a rocky fishing trip and was miserable the whole time. That said, I didn't puke, so they did something!  

Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Promising review: "These work. They’re amazing. Complete game changer for car rides for me. People are like, 'iT’s ALL In YOuR HeAd.” If that’s true and it’s a placebo effect, I really do NOT care. They work, and that’s all that matters." —Broadwaygirl

Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.79.

30. Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder, a low-maintenance option for makeup minimalists who want a matte complexion, even on the sweatiest days. It absorbs oil and blurs pores, leaving your face as otherworldly as a forest nymph. 

Amazon, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder in action. 

Promising review: "I loved this setting powder, it blurred my pores and blended my makeup so well that even my husband noticed. Wow! I will be buying more before people find it and sell it all out, hehehe." —Charlotte Laim 

Get it from Amazon for $20. 

31. A car windshield sunshade to keep your car from becoming hotter than the center of the Earth. Please! No more scorched thighs this summer.

www.amazon.com

It comes in different sizes (depending on your make and model) with a money-back guarantee.

Promising review: "This is super easy to use. Open and put it in the window; can't get any easier than that. My GMC Denali sits outside in the Southeastern North Carolina sun all day, and this really made a difference. When I get into my truck, I can actually sit on the leather seats without being burned. It also keeps the sun off my dash, which is important down here in the Southeast. I would definitely recommend it.' —Sharon

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in a variety of sizes and for specific makes and models).

32. Hawaiian Tropic's SPF 30 mineral powder sunscreen brush offering some light coverage (and extra sun protection on top of your normal sunscreen) that won't weigh you down on hot days. Most intriguing: Reviewers are using this on their scalp and hairline because YES scalp burns can happen and NO we're not putting goopy sunscreen in our hair. It's also wayyy cheaper than the $69 Colorescience version.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising reviews: "Wish I had found this sooner! Works great, and so far, the cheapest option I have found for powder sunscreen. Love that my face isn’t greasy anymore from normal sunscreen!" —Michelle

"I have fine hair, so anytime I’m in the sun, I get burnt on my scalp. Regular sunscreen makes my hair super oily and gross, and I cannot stand wearing hats. I'm so glad I found this. You do have to apply it more often, and also, it doesn’t work if it gets wet. Love this stuff, it's such a lifesaver." —james

Get it from Amazon for $14.19. 

33. Anti-chafing balm because summer should be pain-free, even if you're completely set on breaking in those new jelly sandals. The vegan formula is safe for children, doesn't feel greasy, and won't clog pores. Just apply wherever you anticipate chafing and friction. 

Amazon

Reviewers say this lasts for hours, even in super sweaty situations. You can put this stuff wherever needs protection, but they also sell Foot Glide as well.

Promising review: "I've been using this product for years, and it's definitely saved me from plenty of chafing and irritation. Especially during summer, I'll apply in sensitive areas (under arms, groin, etc.) to ensure that any rubbing and sweat don't result in chafing or worse. It does the trick perfectly. It's been very rare that I've had any irritation — and that's usually caused by missing a spot. It applies like a stick deodorant — not sticky or greasy at all and holds up for over three hours of exercise. Great product." —NJKT

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

34. A foot peeling spray that'll be a gentle, first step to show dead skin the door. Just spray the coconut and aloe-infused formula to soften your skin, and then rub it with a scrubber tool like a pumice stone. You'll feel like a snake shedding its skin, but unlike a snake, you'll have a pair of fresh, soft feet to show off, no expensive pedicure needed. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Does exactly as advertised. I purchased this item because of TikTok and was so happy to find it actually worked! Love it and use it all the time. My skin is smooth like butter. 10/10 would highly recommend." —TikTok Finds

Get it from Amazon for $6.89.

35. A pair of charcoal shoe deodorizers to help you reclaim your sneakers from the dreaded Stink. Just slip them into your shoes and let them get to work. To "recharge," leave them in the sun. 

Amazon

Promising review: "I have a pair of black leather flats that stank so badly my husband would yell at me if I took them off anywhere near him. But I love the shoes! So I had to find something to make the stench go away without leaving me with an allergic reaction. Mini Moso was the answer. I honestly couldn’t believe it. A few days after placing them in my prized off shoes, I took a whiff from about a foot away. Nothing. I got closer. Nothing. I stuck my nose practically in the shoe. OK, maybe that’s pushing things, but I’ve got to tell you that 95% of the broken-in leather grossness was gone. So happy!" —Erin

Get a pair from Amazon for $9.95.

36. AnSPF 50 Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar that works like a giant lip balm for your face. It's nonsticky, glides on clear, works nicely as a primer, and is so easy to apply (check out the curved shape), you may actually remember to reapply for once. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. 

Promising review: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned black woman and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina

Get it from Amazon for $16.30+ (also available in a two-pack). 

37. And! Naked Sundays SPF 50+ Hydrating Glow Mist for anyone who tries to avoid touching their face once they leave the house, even if it's for sun protection. This easy spray offers lightweight, transparent, and hydrating protection packed with hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract. It sure beats just spraying yourself full in the face with normal sunscreen — that stuff stings!

www.amazon.com

Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information! 

Promising review: "I have always struggled with oily skin. I've finally gotten my oil under control thanks to my current skincare routine, but SPF remained a challenge. Nearly everything I tried left me shiny or quickly got greasy during the day. This SPF spray is a super-fine mist that almost feels like nothing is being sprayed on my face. It doesn't leave behind anything shiny, which is unheard of for an SPF 50 spray. I personally love the smell; however, some may find it a bit too much for their liking." —Stephanie

Get it from Amazon for $27 (also available in a pack of two).

38. Anti-slip nose pads if you're sick of your glasses sliding down your sweaty nose. Listen, watching you push your glasses back up is adorable, but I'm sure you're sick of doing it 100 times a day. Stick these gecko-inspired grips on your full frames (wire frame havers can check out this version) and give your finger a rest.

www.amazon.com

Like a gecko's foot, these pads have thousands of fibers to create a dry adhesive that clings to your nose. 

Promising review: "These work great to keep my glasses from slipping down my nose. I had the earpieces adjusted several times, and even when they were uncomfortably tight, the glasses slipped. They have been on for two weeks so far, and no sign of the adhesive failing. I am careful not to get cosmetics on them." —Gayle

Get them from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in two pack sizes and two colors). 

39. A pack of bug bite patches to help kids — and let's face it, adults — stop scratching themselves raw. These patches contain hydrocolloid, aloe, and witch hazel to soothe itchiness and put a barrier between the bite and scratching nails. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Quitch is a small business founded by moms.

Promising review: "I was honestly skeptical about buying these. My son (15 months) is too little for Benadryl or any anti-itch cream, so I bought them for our upcoming camping trip to try. Little did I know, they would come in handy sooner! My son got bitten by a mosquito near his eye. This caused major swelling and irritation. As mentioned, he’s too little for medicine. I put a patch on, and the results speak for themselves. I’m amazed, and they helped my son not scratch the area. They’re so little and super sticky, he doesn’t even notice it’s on. I added a photo of the patch about five hours after application, and you can see how full it is. I will definitely be purchasing again!" —Sierra

Get a 27-pack from Amazon for $9.95+ (also available in packs of 36 and 81).

40. And a set of special stickers that tell you when it’s time to reapply sunscreen. Cover it (and your skin, of course) with sunscreen, and the sticker will turn clear. When it turns purple, you know it’s time for another generous coating of sun protection.

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application, and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun, it turns purple. If you use sunblock, it starts to become clear or semi-clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times, the spot started turning purple, and I applied sunblock again. In a minute, the spot was clear again. So this is very effective in alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque

Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $16.49.

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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.

The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.

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