Keep cool and carry on with these 27 amazing heatwave essentials
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably aware there’s a heatwave rolling across the country (temperatures in Ontario have been nudging 40°C🥵). Because we’re not fans of melting into puddles of our own sweat, we started brainstorming go-to products that’ll help us stay chill and hydrated until the mercury calms down again — and we think you’ll like them, too.
There’s a little bit of everything in our guide (refreshing face mists, ice makers, smart thermostats, makeup with chilling properties, and cooling bedsheets, just to name a few), so you can feel comfortable and cool no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
SuperSoft Tencel Sheet Set
Casper
I’ve ranted and raved about my favourite linen sheets dozens of times, but the second I slipped into this buttery bedding, I knew the game! had! changed! Both my husband and I are pretty hot sleepers (and this heatwave was definitely not helping), so colour me surprised when we woke up sweat-free and more rested than we’d been in WEEKS — after just one night. When I say they feel amazing on skin, I mean it. They’re light as a feather, ultra-smooth, and have a light cooling effect that not only helps me fall asleep but keeps me that way, too. Unlike other “cooling” sheets, they don’t feel slick or slimy, which I LOVE.
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Ice-Facial Cooling Mist
@peterthomasrothofficial/Instagram
This launch could not have come at a better time. Thanks to a slew of fancy-schmancy skincare tech, generous doses of hyaluronic acid, a trio of tea extracts, plus peppermint and caffeine, every spritz will cool down hot, flushed skin and give it a chance to rest and breathe through every heatwave. Like a traditional ice bath, it’ll also help reduce redness, puffiness, and dryness, so your skin can look well-rested (even if you’re not).
Huski Beer Cooler 2.0
@huskicooler/Instagram | Amazon Canada
There’s nothing like sipping an ice-cold bev, and this handheld cooler will keep things frosty ’til the last drop. Whether you prefer a bottle or can, domestic or imported, all you’ll need to do is slip your beverage inside to take advantage of its powers. You can even use it as a tumbler if you’re feeling fancy, since it’s non-slip and has a contoured shape to fit your hand just right. As an added bonus, there’s a detachable hidden opener on the base. If your tastes skew more towards bottle service, grab yourself the wine chiller style instead.
Jisulife Handheld Mini Fan
Amazon Canada
This quiet handheld fan is a dream for those struggling with rising temperatures. Reviewers were surprised at just how much relief they got from it, thanks to its trio of speeds, foldable design that’s ideal for travel, and its functionality — when you’re not using it as a fan, it’ll double as a flashlight and a power bank for your phone!
Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion
Sun Bum
Peeling skin? We don’t know her. This soothing lotion is formulated to prevent skin from drying up and flaking off after a wee bit too much time in the sun, thanks to moisturizing additions like aloe, tea tree oil, cocoa butter, jojoba, and vitamin E. Reviewers report it actually cools down their skin while being non-sticky and non-greasy — a win-win.
Ovalware Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker
Amazon Canada
No matter which iced caffeinated beverage you prefer in the morning, you’ll be able to brew it in this glass carafe. Its ultra-dense filter will keep dregs and grounds where they should be — in the brewer — instead of where they shouldn’t be (like in your cup). Reviewers report that it’s phenomenal at making amazing cold brew, and, thanks to its airtight silicone seal, it’ll stay fresh for days. We’re also loving the shockproof base that keeps the carafe protected from bumps and scratches.
Ole Henriksen Violet Ice Cold Plunge Pore Clay Mask
@olehenriksen/Instagram | Sephora Canada
Sometimes your pores need a nice, deep clean, and this is the mask to do it with. It’ll suck up pollution, dirt, and excess oil, keeping it from settling on your skin and leading to breakouts so you can enjoy a zit-free summer. It has a zesty cooling effect as it dries, which reviewers loved — they also reported their skin felt softer, smoother, and cleaner, but never tight, dry, or irritated.
Google Nest Smart Thermostat
Amazon Canada
A smart thermostat has several advantages: it has tons of energy-saving options, like the ability to turn itself down when you’re not home (so you’re not wasting precious energy heating or cooling your space for nothing), and you can easily set schedules to optimize your hydro usage. Using the companion app, you can even make changes to your settings when you’re out and about, cooling down your space before you even get home.
Sukeen Cooling Towels
@sukeen_official/Instagram
Soak, wring, and snap — that’s it. Once you do that, these towels will stay cool for up to three hours and can be worn anywhere on your body (around your neck, wrapped around your head, even draped over your overheating pets!). Reviewers use them on sweltering job sites, at the gym, to soothe hot flashes, or as a post-sport refresher in the summertime, all with great success. And don’t stress if they start to lose their cooling powers. Just soak, wring, and snap once more to activate!
Coola Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen
@coola/Instagram
When it comes to surviving a heatwave, this refreshing mist is at the top of our must-try list. You’ll get a dose of broad-spectrum sun protection, on top of organic aloe and coconut water to keep your skin in tip-top shape when you’re buzzing around town. It also happens to be chock-full of antioxidants for added protection against pollution and blue light.
Natracure Cold Therapy Socks
@natracure/Instagram
Hot, swollen, and tired feet have finally met their match in these therapy socks that deliver both cryo and compression therapy in one go. The secret is the gel lining in the soles that delivers relief to your whole foot (instead of just one part). Reviewers say they’re the only product that gave them some relief from burning-hot and swollen feet, regardless of whether it’s due to pregnancy, chemo, warm temperatures, menopause, or other conditions.
TheraFace Depuffing Wand
@therabodybeauty/Instagram
This high-tech wand landed on our wishlist immediately. The metal tip delivers both hot and cold treatments — exact temperatures are adjustable — so you can give your skin what it needs when it needs it. Reviewers love that, unlike traditional jade and ice rollers, the tip always stays cold no matter how long they use it. Two-button controls make it easy to use, too, so you can spend more time cooling down your flushed face and less time deciphering complicated and specific instructions.
Magic Gel Extra Large Reusable Ice Pack
Amazon Canada
Say goodbye to teensy ice packs — this one is extra large to deliver a serious dose of cooling power. It’ll stay flexible no matter how cold it gets, so you can drape, wrap, and tuck it around every body part. Reviewers say it’s a dream for hot sleepers — tucking it into your pillowcase will keep your pillow cold while you’re snoozing (and they say it stays cold for longer than other options they’ve tried). Just pop it into the freezer for an hour or so to reap its cooling benefits.
Milk Makeup Cooling Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain
Sephora Canada
The viral tint has been making huge waves all over social media (and has probably already found its way into your kit), but we’re actually obsessing over the latest shade. It’s a pH-reactive formula that creates a totally unique shade once swiped on, which translates to a different look on every face. We’re especially fond of its skin-cooling powers that feel ah-mazing when you’re doing your beat in hot summer weather.
Easeland Quilted Cooling Mattress Topper
Amazon Canada
In addition to adding extra comfort and protecting your mattress from spills and other messes, this cover is moisture-wicking and cooling to boot — reviewers say they were surprised by how much it improved their sleep quality.
AstroAI Portable Mini Fridge
@astroai/Instagram
Keep your skincare, beauty tools, or fave sippers nice and frosty without having to make space in your fully loaded kitchen fridge. Because it’s portable, you can set it up wherever you want (even inside your car, if you’re so inclined). Reviewers say it’s super quiet, too.
Living Proof StyleLab Air-Dry Hair Styling Cream
Sephora Canada
When it’s too hot for styling tools, give your mane a rest and swap your blow dryer out for this air-dry styling cream. It’ll reduce drying time, tame frizz, and help enhance your natural texture, all without weighing things down or leaving them greasy or crunchy. Reviewers add that a smidge will go a long way, so you can rest easy knowing a tube will likely last you all season.
Iris USA Oscillating 4-in-1 Vortex Fan
Amazon Canada
First of all, this thing is QUIET. Despite that, it’s pretty damn powerful, allowing you to effectively circulate the air around your space in moments (with plenty of setting options to customize your experience). If you’re feeling lazy, you’ll love that it comes with a handy remote for making adjustments from bed or the couch. Reviewers love that it’s smaller than most models, so you won’t have to rearrange your furniture in your quest for cooler air.
Avène Eau Thermale Calming Face Mist
Victoria Kuglin/Daily Hive
There’s a reason reviewers call this stuff a “must-have.” It hydrates better than other mists while also reducing redness and soothing irritation (great if you can’t hide indoors during the heatwave). To put it plainly, it’s just the thing for quenching hot, parched skin.
Ninja Slushi Professional Frozen Drink Maker
Amazon Canada
Instead of heading to the bar, whip up a batch of frosty spicy margs right in your own kitchen. Turns out you don’t need a slew of fancy gadgets, either — this machine does it all at the press of a button. Five presets allow you to customize your sipper, while the sleek pour spout keeps things mess-free (though reviewers say cleaning is a snap).
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
@theinkeylist/Instagram
Extreme heat could spell breakouts, bumps, and ingrown hairs (courtesy of sweat, salt, and sun). This solid formula will make it easy-peasy to bust those skin issues wherever you find them, using a combo of salicylic and glycolic acids to unclog pores and shea butter to hydrate.
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Ice Soothing Serum Stick
@milkmakeup/Instagram
Say goodbye to your ice roller! Swiping on this jelly serum will give you the same results, reducing redness and puffiness, soothing redness and irritation, and making enlarged pores seem nearly invisible. And it’s a dream travel companion, too, thanks to a solid formula that’ll never leak all over your toiletry bag when you’re en route.
Downcool Comforter
Amazon Canada
Reviewers call this the perfect summer comforter — they barely feel it while they’re snoozing and love that it’s big enough for tandem sleeping, too. Thanks to its down-alternative fill, you can wash it directly in your washing machine when it needs a refresh.
Dr. Scholl’s Odour Destroyers All-Day Spray Powder
Amazon Canada
Let’s be honest: hot weather = sweaty, smelly feet. This stuff will absorb moisture (without drying out your skin) and unpleasant odours wherever you spray it, with reviewers reporting it works wonders on stinky shoes.
Attitude After Sun Care Stick
Victoria Kuglin/Daily Hive
I didn’t expect too much from this cute lil’ stick, but was pleasantly surprised the first time I swiped it onto my shoulders after a long day outside. It felt INSTANTLY cooling, but in a way that felt pleasant rather than frigid. Because it’s totally solid, you can easily apply it solo, even on hard-to-reach spots. Tack on the fact that it smells lightly of cucumber and mint, and I’m basically in skincare heaven.
ecozy Smart Countertop Ice Maker
Amazon Canada
In just six minutes, you’ll have a hefty batch of ice, which is the kind of instant gratification we can definitely get behind (and you can choose between two sizes!). You’re also able to plan ahead, thanks to the companion app that’ll let you schedule production in advance or turn on the self-cleaning function — reviewers say it does it all super quietly, too.
Happy Nuts Comfort Cream Deodorant For Men
Amazon Canada
Reviewers are raving about this, saying it’s an essential for anyone looking for a solution to downstairs sweatiness. It smells fresh, absorbs quickly, and keeps both perspiration and odour at bay when you’re playing sports, running errands, or just sweating your face off during a heat wave. Unlike other similar products on the market, this one’s all-natural and free of any potential irritants or problematic ingredients (great news since you’re spreading it on a ~sensitive area~). If you’re not a fan of overly-scented products, grab the fragrance-free version instead.