Before you do anything this summer, make sure you're stocked up on a few of these handy must-haves
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Patio drinks, scorching sun, heatwaves, beachside adventures, backyard bonfires — summer is full of unique adventures and challenges, which is why we made a list of essentials to keep on-hand for all of them.
We’re talking clever inventions (like cupholders that’ll stay upright in sand), skincare must-haves to prevent — and soothe — sunburn, chic wardrobe additions to keep you looking and feeling cool, plus lots of other bits and bobs you may want to take a peek at.
Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Mist
Sephora Canada | @ultravioletteau/Instagram
Every mist delivers major sun protection (it is an SPF 50, after all), but it’s the makeup-setting properties and skincare ingredients we’re especially interested in. The addition of niacinamide will help regulate oiliness, while locking in your look so it won’t melt off in the heat. Reapplication? A total dream — spritz it over or under your makeup, as often as you like.
Ballast Beach Pillow
Amazon Canada
A balled-up towel is not it, folks. Instead, consider this inflatable pillow — it has a plush, padded top, wicks away moisture, repels sand, and will even stay put on gusty beaches. Reviewers are particularly fond of the fact that they don’t even need a pump to get it set up.
Dr. Scholl’s Blister Cushion
@drscholls_official/Instagram
Regardless of whether it’s just a painful spot or an existing blister, reviewers say these bandages are actual game-changers. They’ll cushion the offending spot while helping them heal, meaning you won’t have to miss out on activities while you’re waiting for your feet to get back to normal. Don’t be alarmed if they start inflating while you’re wearing them — that’s them working their magic.
Coola ER+Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion
Victoria Kuglin/Daily Hive
Yes, you could use aloe. Yes, the bottle is smaller than aloe products. But when I say this rich lotion soothes sun irritation better than anything I’ve tried before, I mean it. My hubs and I tested it out after a full day by the pool, and by morning, all our sun-induced redness and itchiness were gone. Unlike aloe, it absorbs super-duper quick and leaves no stickiness behind.
Jisulife FA53 Portable Handheld Fan
Amazon Canada
We’ve recommended the brand’s handheld mini fan as a heat wave must-have, but when you want something to save you during several scorching months, this metal option is one we’d recommend. It has a more powerful airflow, an improved battery life, and several other cool and handy features that make it a standout in its category (like wind speed settings from 1-100, a textured scroll wheel for easy adjustment, a large digital display, and a fast-charge option to get you juiced up in a hurry).
This option is also amazing if you’re looking for a stroller-friendly style.
Mesh High-Rise Wide-Leg Training Pant
lululemon
Air conditioning in pant form. These are likely to be the breeziest pair you’ll ever own, thanks to a light-as-air mesh fabric and a roomy, flowy fit. They’re also partially lined, so you won’t accidentally reveal more than you mean to.
If you love a matching moment, there’s a perfectly coordinated mesh tank you need to see.
Mas+ by Messi Positive Hydration Variety Pack
Mas by Messi
Staying hydrated is critical during the summer. Instead of guzzling down endless gallons of water, you can cut to the chase by sipping these juicy electrolyte beverages. Reviewers say they’re tastier than any other similar product and love that they get a boost during workouts or other activities.
*Sponsored*
MegaBabe Thigh Rescue Anti-Chafe Stick 2-Pack
Amazon Canada
After hearing about the hype, reviewers finally gave it and tried this cult-fave stick — and loved it. The formula is hydrating, non-greasy, won’t melt in the heat or rinse off after swimming, and it doesn’t need constant reapplication, either. That said, this set comes with two travel-sized sticks so you can easily tuck one into your bag, purse, or backpack for on-the-go swiping.
Josie Maran Topless Tangerine Whipped Argan Oil Firming Body Butter
Sephora Canada
The hype is REAL. It’s majorly moisturizing and leaves skin positively glowing. Reviewers say it’s 100 per cent worth the price and are absolutely obsessed with its juicy, citrus scent, too. Unlike other “glowy” type lotions, this one won’t leave you looking or feeling greasy — instead, your dry skin will look noticeably softer and feel smoother after literally one application.
Home Queen Beach Cup Holders
Amazon Canada
Whether you use this nifty invention to prop up your drink or just stash your beachside essentials, reviewers say they’ll hold up. They’re sturdy and spacious, plus they’re equipped with a genius base stand you can spike directly into the sand for added security.
Schick Hydro Silk 2-in-1 Hair Removal Cream
@hydrosilkca/Instagram
Razor burn has no place in our summer schedule, which is why we’re ditching shavers and trimmers in favour of this removal cream. Sure, it might be a bit more time-consuming (around 10 minutes from start to finish), but if you’re familiar with the concept, you’ll appreciate the convenience. Swipe it on wherever you want to de-fuzz, give it some time to work its magic — it can vary from person to person and hair type to hair type — then rinse away and bask in your hairless glory.
Make Waves Outdoor Corner Chair
Sundays
Now that you’re spending more time outside, there’s no reason you can’t make your patio or balcony as cozy as your home. Despite being decked out in weatherproof fabric, this slouchy, oversized lounger is so comfy, you’ll be hard-pressed to move inside (even once the mosquitoes come out). Reviewers say it’s the perfect spot for a nap!
JVN The Essential Dry Shampoo
@jvnhair/Instagram
As a short-haired gal, I rely heavily on dry shampoos (especially so in the summer). I love spraying this stuff on my roots right after a fresh wash to keep sweat from ruining my do on hot days. It doesn’t have the grit you’re probably used to in other formulas, but depending on your preference, this might actually be a good thing — your hair will feel well and truly clean after a thorough spray-through. The mini bottle is AMAZE for on-the-go refreshes, too — and it’ll fit in your beach bag.
Surf Poncho
Amazon Canada
Think of it like a mobile changing room. In addition to keeping you warm post-swim, it’s big enough to cover your bod when you’re swapping out your wet swimsuit — reviewers love it so much, they bring it along on camping trips, too, and say it’s a dorm room must-have as well.
Bushbalm Ingrown Hair Exfoliating Scrub
Amazon Canada
Before you go to town with your razor, trimmer, or wax strips, give your skin a good scrub-down with this watermelon-scented exfoliant. It’ll help unclog your pores, preventing ingrown hairs and potential infections triggered by hair removal. If ingrowns have already reared their ugly head, try adding a soothing ingrown hair oil to your self-care routine, too.
Casper Snow Mattress
Casper
Night sweats? Not when you’re snoozing on this cooling mattress. Thanks to its hybrid spring/foam design, you’ll get all the support you’d expect of a great mattress, plus a slew of cool features (pun definitely intended): increased airflow, thermoregulating bands to pull heat away from your body, all wrapped up in a cooling cover.
Drunk Elephant Amino Rain Glasswater Serum
Drunk Elephant
If you’re looking for a serum that delivers long-lasting hydration, your search is over. This luminous formula not only boosts elasticity but also strengthens your skin barrier — a boon during heatwaves, temperature fluctuations, and long days spent in the sun. Reviewers with a variety of skin types are raving about it, saying it reduced oiliness, softened fine lines, eradicated dry patches from retinol use, and even helped with dark undereye circles.
Geometry Beach Towel
@geometry.house/Instagram
Made entirely of post-consumer recycled materials, this towel magically repels sand and dirt without sacrificing on absorption (that’s its main function, after all). Since it eschews loops and knits in favour of a flat weave, the material will never get caught on jewellery, nails, or pet claws — and it dries in a flash, too.
Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick
Sephora Canada
Holy hell, does this stick deliver on the glow. Like the brand’s Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint, it’s buttery-smooth and can be easily applied without any brushes, sponges, or tools — but that’s not even my favourite part. As a blush newbie, I’m partial to its forgiving, sheer tint and the fact that it helps me fake that perfect summer glow (without glitter or overt shine).
Comfitech Migraine Relief Cap
Amazon Canada
It’s cooling, with light compression that reviewers say is just the ticket for fighting back against intense migraines or overheated noggins. Because it forgoes straps and Velcro, you won’t have to stress about it getting tangled in your hair or needing constant readjustment when you’re just trying to find your chill. Store it in the fridge or freezer, depending on your personal preference.
Neutrogena Body Clear Body Wash
@neutrogena/Instagram
Summer can wreak absolute havoc on your skin thanks to pore-clogging sweat, dust, and general pollution. But you can keep your pores free and clear of potential breakout-causing nonsense by lathering up with a body wash like this one, which gives ’em a real deep clean every time you shower. Reviewers say it’s one of the best products on the market for treating bacne!
Jeffrey Campbell Jamie Jelly Flats
Jeffrey Campbell
Jelly shoes are having a major moment, and we can totally see why. Aside from their obvious nostalgic nod to the footwear of the early aughts, they’re durable and super summer-friendly — sand won’t get caught inside, while sweaty feet get relief from the breezy, perforated design. Plus, they won’t get ruined if you get them wet by the pool!
Sarna Bug Bite Patches
Amazon Canada
I am a magnet for hungry bugs, so I pretty much have to douse myself in repellent every time I step outside. To be honest, I don’t love all the chemicals, so I was *thrilled* to try out these patches that use aloe vera, witch hazel, and chamomile to soothe any chomps left behind by mosquitoes, black flies, and other pests. They also prevent me from picking at them (soooo guilty) and are free of potential irritants like steroids and latex! You’ll get a pack of 24 patches.
Cloud Sweat Bag
Roots
There’s something so low-maintenance about your favourite sweats — and now you can get ’em as a convenient, ultra-soft, roomy bag you can bring along on your summertime adventures. Even if you’re wearing it all day long, you won’t have to stress about chafing or pinching like you might from other fabrics (and if it ever gets dirty, you can easily wash it like you would your other sweatshirts and shorts).
Yeti Sidekick Dry Gear Case
Amazon Canada
Everything you stash inside this waterproof case will (you guessed it!) be protected from splashes, rainfall, and unexpected drink spills. It features a powerful magnetic closure that, yes, is also waterproof — but if you don’t believe us, reviewers have tested it while doing everything from portaging to horseback riding and say it delivers on every front.
Glamnetic Premium Press-On Nail Kit
Sephora Canada
Designed to last a full two weeks, these chic tips are the perfect accompaniment to all the events on your summer social calendar. You don’t need to be a pro to apply them (they come with everything you’ll need, including easy-to-follow instructions), not to mention cost WAY less than a fancy gel set, especially when you factor in the velvety finish and cute gold 3D seashell details.
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