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Living in the Midwest, I never really feel like I have time to prepare for summer. The weather tends to go straight from blustery cold to scorching hot, with maybe a few scant springy days in between. Warmer temps always seem to sneak up on me, which means my summer shopping is usually done in a rush right before a trip or on the first day I realize it’s too hot for jeans. Last-minute shopping inevitably leads to forgetting something, so I usually spend the rest of the summer realizing at random times that I’m missing this and that.
This summer, however, is going to be different. Between all the summer hobbies, friend hangs, and trips filling up my calendar, the last thing I want to stress about is running low on SPF or realizing on the way out the door that my favorite sandals from last year have seen better days. Thankfully, I thought ahead this season and made a list of all the summer essentials I could possibly need. You bet I’m prepared for every backyard barbecue, beach or pool day, patio happy hour, and every situation in between. Consider this your ultimate summer shopping list:
In this article 1 Summer Beauty Essentials 2 Warm-Weather Accessories 3 Wellness Routine Upgrades 4 Summer Home Items 5 Must-Haves for Outdoor Activities
Summer Beauty Essentials
There’s no doubt your beauty routine changes a bit once warm weather rolls around. We suddenly have to cover our entire bodies in SPF all day long and address awkward problems like boob sweat and thigh chafe. And worst of all, many of us will inevitably have to deal with the aftermath of accidentally getting too much sun. Here’s what you need to get through it all:
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
This sunscreen from Supergoop is massively popular for a reason. It doubles as a primer under makeup and provides SPF 50 protection without the oily residue or chalky-white finish.
Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Face Mist Top Up Spray
This hydrating sunscreen mist has a permanent spot in my beach bag every summer. Designed for topping up your SPF throughout the day, it goes on clear, dries quickly, and even helps set your makeup. And thanks to the watermelon extract on the ingredient list, it smells way better than your typical sunscreen.
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Formulated for melanated skin, this sunscreen goes on sheer and doubles as a moisturizer.
Amazon Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm 3-Pack
Always make sure to keep your lips protected from the sun, too! Grab a pack of these SPF-infused, fruity-flavored balms to toss in your purse or beach bag this summer.
Neutrogena After Sun Rehydrating Spray
Grab a bottle of this for those inevitable times when you forget to reapply your SPF. It helps soothe and rehydrate skin after sun exposure, and the spray nozzle makes it way easier to apply than regular aloe gel.
Topicals Ingrown Hair Tonic with AHA and BHA
For anyone who deals with razor burn and ingrown hairs post-shaving, this product is going to be a life saver this summer. Glide it onto your bikini line, underarms, or any other area to soothe and prevent irritation.
Paula’s Choice Back & Body Exfoliating Acne Spray
Between sweating at the gym and laying out at the pool, summer body acne is an unfortunate reality, but this mist makes it a thing of the past.
megababe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick
If you ever deal with your thighs chafing together while wearing shorts or dresses, you’re going to want this portable balm stick in your summer beauty arsenal. It glides on and creates a friction-free barrier that prevents chafe, irritation, and even blisters (no need to break in those new sandals).
Amazon Ice Roller for Face
Moisturizing is obviously key to recovering from too much sun, but nothing feels better than running an ice roller over sunburnt skin.
Source: @petiteelliee
Warm-Weather Accessories
No matter what you have planned this summer, you’ll want to be well-equipped in both function and style. There’s always that one bag or storage solution we wish we had (like those wet bags below—genius!), and this summer, we’re finally stocking up on each and every one.
Amazon Straw Tote Bag
Everyone needs a good straw tote for trips to the beach and farmers market this summer, and this under-$30 option from Amazon does this job in style.
Amazon Retro Oval Sunglasses
These oval frames look super flattering on all different types of face shapes, so it’s no wonder this style is so popular right now.
J.Crew Fisherman Jelly Sandals
Jelly sandals are THE shoe of the summer, and this pair from J.Crew looks way chicer than anything we used to wear as kids.
Amazon Wet Bag for Swimsuits
Never carry around a wet swimsuit with your dry clothes ever again. Throw one of these waterproof bags into your suitcase or beach bag to keep your wet stuff separate.
Aerie Pull On Boxer Shorts
Whether you wear them as a swimsuit coverup or as part of a laidback happy hour outfit, these boxers might just become your most-worn shorts this summer.
Amazon Large Hair Claw Clips
Claw clips are the unsung heroes of sweltering summer days when you thought wearing your hair down was a good idea.
BÉIS Mesh Beach Tote
Thanks to this bag’s mesh material, sand will slide right out the bottom and anything wet inside will dry quickly. It even has straps on the outside to hold your towel or beach blanket in place.
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Old Navy Straw Bucket Hat
This straw bucket hat will keep the sun off your face while doubling as a fun statement accessory.
Source: Cora Pursley | Dupe
Wellness Routine Upgrades
Between long weekends away and plenty of patio happy hours, staying healthy during the summer can feel like a challenge. But with a few simple solutions (like the perfect travel workout equipment and our editors’ favorite water bottle), your wellness routine doesn’t have to change.
Amazon Owala Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
With a leakproof lid and a double-walled design that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, this is the perfect water bottle to take with you everywhere this summer.
10+ colors available
Amazon Bala Bangles Wrist & Ankle Weights
These weighted bangles make it easy to turn up the heat on your pilates session or hot girl walk.
10+ colors available
Amazon Yoga Mat Carrier Strap
Taking your yoga sessions outside this summer? This strap makes it easy to carry your mat to the park or beach.
10+ colors available
Arrae Anti-Bloating Supplements
Bloating and discomfort are the last things you want to deal with when you’re trying to enjoy your vacation. Our Wellness Editor Josie swears by these for travel to ease and prevent digestive issues on the go.
Amazon Running Belt
If you’re taking your runs outside this summer, this adjustable belt will keep your phone, keys, and other essentials secure and within reach.
Source: @michelle_janeen
Summer Home Items
In the heat of summer, inside with the AC blasting is one of the best places to be. That means your home deserves a little sprucing up for the summertime, whether it’s for function (like an air purifier to combat seasonal allergies) or fashion (these salad bowls that will make you forget Sweetgreen even exists).
Quince European Linen Sheet Set
Get your bed summer-ready by swapping your sheets for a lightweight linen option. These high-quality linen sheets come in tons of colors and patterns, so you can easily find a set that matches your bedroom setup.
10+ colors available
Amazon Scalloped Edge Throw Pillow Covers
These wavy throw pillow covers are an easy, affordable way to switch up your decor for the summer and add a pop of color to your sofa.
7 colors available
Walmart Melamine Salad Serving Bowl and Utensil Set
This salad bowl is the perfect thing to take to backyard cookouts this summer. It comes with serving utensils that fit neatly inside the lid so you can easily take it on the go.
World Market Mesh Outdoor Food Cover
If you plan on hosting any outdoor dinner parties this summer (or just eating a meal on your back patio), this mesh cover will shield your food from bugs and debris until you’re ready to eat.
Threshold Ceramic Citronella Candle
Why use bug spray when you can keep mosquitos at bay with a pretty candle?
Amazon Coway Airmega Air Purifier
If you struggle with seasonal allergies this time of year, it might be time to invest in an air purifier. This affordable option captures pollen, pollutants, and other allergens in the air and includes a sensor that tells you how clean your air is.
2 colors available
Source: Calvin Shelwell | Unsplash
Must-Haves for Outdoor Activities
After a winter of staying indoors practically 24/7, outdoor activities are looking better than ever. But to fully partake, you need the proper gear. Beach and pool days, picnics, park dates, sporting events, maybe an outdoor concert—you might have a lot of events to prepare for this summer, and we found all the basics you need:
Amazon Waterproof Gingham Picnic Blanket
Perfect for picnics or days at the beach, this gingham blanket has a waterproof backing and comes with a leather strap for easy carrying.
3 colors available
Amazon Lightweight Beach Chair
Whether you’re lugging it to the beach or out to the backyard, this chair’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry. It can even lay out flat if you want to fully recline while soaking up the sun.
9 colors available
Amazon Fujifilm Instant Film Camera
Yes, this is an essential! Documenting summer memories is so much more fun with a Polaroid-style camera.
Amazon Beach Cup Holders
You’ll never have to worry about your drink tipping over in the sand again. These beach cup holders even have an extra compartment to keep your phone or keys sand-free.
Amazon Waterproof Phone Pouch
We’re not taking any chances this summer. These waterproof pouches will keep your phone protected and even let you take photos underwater. Each one comes with an adjustable lanyard you can wear around your neck, which is handy if you’re worried about dropping your phone while out on the water.
Brooklinen Striped Beach Towel
An on-trend pattern turns this summer essential into an accessory in its own right.
5 colors available
Emily Henry Great Big Beautiful Life
Emily Henry’s latest release is the perfect book to pack for your summer travels or read on a picnic blanket in a park.
Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
If you don’t want to risk the pages of your favorite book getting wet or full of sand, a Kindle is the way to go. This model is waterproof (in case of accidental dips in the pool) and has a glare-free display that’s easy to see even in direct sunlight.
Amazon Insulated Cooler Bag
Looks like a chic tote but can hold an entire picnic’s worth of snacks and drinks? We’re sold.
Anthropologie HOKA Clifton 10 Sneakers
These sneakers are lightweight and breathable—perfect for long days spent outdoors.
4 colors available
Amazon Pickleball Paddles Set of 2
If you haven’t yet jumped on the pickleball bandwagon, consider this your sign to start. Pick up a set of paddles and find a court near you for a fun, easy-to-pick-up summer activity.
