banner
News center
Contemporary flair

37 Summer Personal Care Products That Just Make Sense

Dec 25, 2023

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Summer's hottest new accessory is this mosquito-deterring bracelet.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "I have ordered several pairs trying to find the one that lives up to its hype, well this one is it. Super cushy, fits true to size — I ordered the mauvish pink colored one and love it. I will be ordering a black pair. I have a heel spur and planters fasciitis so regular flip flops bother me after wearing several hours, these do not. Very pleased with this purchase and highly recommend." —leah

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and 21 colors).

Check out a TikTok of the mosquito-repelling bracelets in action.

Promising review: "I moved last year from Southern California to North Carolina. Bugs of all types have always been attracted to me but the amount of bites I got last summer was WILD. Someone gave me one of these types of bracelets to use one day and it seemed to work SOOOOOO I decided to buy myself an arsenal to prepare for this summer. I read the reviews and about 99% of them had great results. I've only used this bracelet twice but both times I was outside and un-touched. Delivery was very quick so that was a plus. I'm not fond of the smell, I'm hyper sensitive to smells, but I'd rather have the odor than being chewed alive." —Tracey Agopian

Get a ten-pack from Amazon for $8.49.

Psst — a lot of reviewers mentioned this also helped prevent peeling and itching!

Promising review: "I ordered this two weeks ago after seeing rave reviews. So grateful I did. Yesterday I got the worst burn. It was unbelievable. I applied this four times over 24 hours. When I woke up this morning it was a lot better and has just gotten increasingly better throughout the day. The burn is mostly faded, and the pain is so much better. I hope to never burn this badly again, but I will be stockpiling this lotion all the same." —Carolina G.

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Promising review: "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. It was backordered but then I got an email saying it was in stock and I was SO excited. Not only is it affordable, but it's washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful." —Kelsey B.

Get it from Amazon for $13.38.

Bug Bite Thing is a family-owned small business established in 2017 that specializes in bug bite relief products.

This works on mosquitoes, bees, wasps, biting flies, sea lice, and more (although TBH, if this list of bugs gets any longer I may just stay indoors forever!!).

Promising review: "I bought this because I saw it on TikTok, and have been having issues with mosquito bites. Used it a few time to relieve itchiness and I am convinced it works! Have been recommending it to my family and friends. Read the directions and follow them carefully. Don't use this on your face or neck, or other sensitive areas. Don't do a lot of suction, just a little bit. And do it a few times if needed. Great invention!" —Joe

Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in three colors).

Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action.

Promising review: "Our vacation planner suggested getting something like this for when you're waiting in line at an amusement park when the sun is out. Best advice ever, used this when we were at Disney this past year. It's lightweight and doesn't weigh you down, the fan has adjustable speeds and also includes a phone charger via USB A port and also a flashlight function. Love that it folds up nice and small, great fan that I'd recommend to anyone!" —Andrew

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four colors).

Promising review: "We live in Florida and realized how badly we needed a fan for our newborn. We use it pretty much on a daily basis. We put it on her car seat and on her stroller when we go on walks. I’ve even propped it up on our desk when I’m working and holding our daughter. The three speeds are great: low usually offers just enough of a cool down and high is very impressive because it's fast and quiet. The lights we didn't really need but has been a nice feature to have. Our daughter hates going in her car seat and this helps to distract her sometimes. Plus, since we live in Florida we have to wait to go on walks until later in the day and the light lets us be seen easier. Overall, it's a great and I’d definitely recommend!" —EmLe

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three colors).

It has three speeds to choose from and also lights up, making you more visible at night. Reviewers note that you should definitely put your hair in a ponytail (but that it's easy to unsnag if it gets caught).

Promising review: "Took this to an all day, HOT day to a theme park. Charged it fully the night before and lasted through the whole day. Felt so cool. Plus at night you got the cool colors." —Paula

Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two colors).

CurlCap is a Black-owned apparel company founded by Britney Sade that specializes in caps designed for natural hair with an open back and flexible scrunchie design.

Promising review: "This hat is comfortable, well made, and cute! It is now my go-to hat for casual days when I put my hair in a ponytail. I have also worn it playing tennis and found that it's more comfortable than wearing a visor. The back elastic really keeps the hat secure without feeling too tight. I have the black twill, and would love to see it in other colors in this fabric for walking, running, and tennis. Love." —Me

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in 11 styles).

Hello, that is my face above, because I bought into the hype of all the 5-star reviews and now I will never look back!! Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. It doesn't get clumpy, it stays put ALL the livelong day no matter how much you sweat, and you can apply it on very lightly if you don't want it to look so dramatic, or continue applying for longer lashes each time.

Promising review: "Saw this product on TikTok and thought it would be expensive looking at the results they got. I am beyond amazed with how my lashes look after about two coats. For around $5 you couldn't ask for a better mascara! I will be buying this same one when I run out. I was not expecting to like it as much as I do! No complaints." —Kd

Get it from Amazon for $4.99.

Promising review: "Saw it on TikTok and thought it would be a great bottle for work. It is very sleek and lightweight enough to carry when you have other items in your hand. I love the modern look and cleans very easily! The time increments really do motivate, definitely ordering again for myself and gifts. Fast delivery and very nice packaging." —Rosa

Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three colors and two sizes).

Psst — it's also gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free!

Promising review: "I love this stuff!!! In Florida, where the sun can take the moisture out of you between the heat and the humidity, you can tend to get a little dehydrated, no matter how much water you drink. I put one of these packets ion my large water bottle and drink. I start to feel better soon after I drink one. I don't do more than one a day, unless I am working extra hard outside in the summer heat. It reminds me of lemon/lime sports drinks without that awful sugary after taste." —N. Abdallah

Get a pack of 16 for $23.45.

Promising review: "Didn't need this but bought this due to watching a TikTok. Pleasantly surprised by the magical erasing powers. This product has magic dust. Gives you a great glow and erases imperfections with the thinnest layer." —Kim Wilmot

Get it from Amazon for $12.97 (available in four shades).

Promising review: "So, I purchased this product after seeing it on TikTok. This spray works VERY well with not sensitive skin. For me, I have not experienced ANY breakouts, nor have I experienced any rashes. Overall, it's AMAZING and I use on the daily." —GoodLife7

Get it from Amazon for $6.65+ (available in five sizes).

Promising review: "I was skeptical about this product. I wasn't sure how it was much different than rolling any other frozen thing on your body. I'm beyond pleasantly surprised. I've used it for sinus pain, migraines, swollen neck glands, under-eye circles/bags, inflamed acne, TMJ pain, etc. Not to mention, when I used it on my face, it leaves my skin feeling tight and wakes me up in the mornings. It also stays cold for forever but never sweats or leaves water behind. It's like magic. I also bought one for my mom who suffers from nerve damage in her arms and legs. I think it'll really help when she has bad pain days." —Jessica McRee

Get it from Amazon for $15.19+ (get this price by clipping the 15% off coupon on the product page; available in eight colors).

Promising review: "I bought this to help with sunburns and it is AMAZING! I first heard of it because I got a sample size in my Ipsy. Sunburns take forever to heal on me and after applying this, my burns are practically gone in a day. I also use this on my kiddo's sand rash from his wetsuit and it felt better faster than Bag Balm." —Lost Naiad

Get it from Amazon for $18.

The Northern Oil Drop is a Pennsylvania-based Etsy shop established in 2021 that specializes in handmade aromatherapy and body care.

Promising review: "The packaging was so cute, it was obvious it was packed with a lot of attention and care. Product smells AMAZING, and works exactly as expected. Also shipped really quickly! All in all I'm extremely impressed, and will absolutely be buying again!" —Maria

Get it from The Northern Oil Drop on Etsy for $7.25+ (available in two sizes).

This is designed to work on all hair types, with reviewers with 2a–4c curls swearing by it!

Promising review: "Amazing!! I had NO idea that my frizzy-haired little girl had beautiful curls. I went down a Instagram rabbit hole and saw a similar girl show how her frizz was curls. I ordered this!! My mind has been blown!! This has changed our lives. It smells so good! It is easy to use and air dry. Before my daughter woke up with terrible bed head that looked like this! Now it is gorgeous soft curls. We will definitely buy again and tell everyone about this product!!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.29.

Promising review: "Holy crap. Please listen to this review. This is the best and easiest to use wax I have ever tried. It dries super quickly and when it dries it creates a vacuum seal around the hair. It does not stick to skin in the slightest and cuts the pain down 75%. I would pay $150 dollars for this stuff because it is so good." —Amanda

Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in three sizes).

Promising review: "Unbeknownst to me, my wife decided to replace our mattress with the hardest slab of concrete on which I've ever had to sleep. I ordered this cover hoping for a tiny bit of relief. From the first night it exceeded all my hopes and dreams, I was able to sleep again, it doesn't slip off even with my tossing and turning, and it stays cool. This mattress cover probably saved my marriage. Thank you!" —michael ervin

Get it from Amazon for $28.82+ (available in sizes Twin–California King).

Promising review: "My hair has never been better! I got this because of TikTok and it has done wonders for my hair. My hair isn't frizzy or dull looking when I get up in the morning." —Aaron Key

Get a set of two from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 23 colors and three sizes).

Psst — a lot of reviewers swear by this for easy hands-free shade solutions for strollers and wheelchairs as well!

Promising review: "I originally bought this about three years ago and my husband used it and liked it so much recently with all the 'COVID driveway happy hours' he bought an additional one for him. It is easy to maneuver and angle to block the sun, but non-intrusive. It is easy to fold and replace in the carrying case. It is worth every penny." —Sarah B.

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in two sizes and eight colors).

Promising review: "I LOVE these! Total game changer. Very smooth taper, seamless transition for layering under the most challenging tops like silk and super soft lightweight T-shirts. I’ve owned this pair for a year, they still stick well and are just starting to lose adhesion around the edges. I even wear them while exercising, no issues! I actually bought another pair to replace them months ago and still haven't needed to open them :) I wear these a couple of times a week and am very happy with the product, highly recommend! It blends nicely with my skin color, it does not show even under white tops." —Lets Go Shopping

Get it from Amazon for $26.50+ (available in two sizes and three shades).

Mountainess Handmade is a Maine-based Etsy shop established in 2013 that specializes in skin care and candles.

Promising review: "Happy repeat buyer! I live in a desert so I need something that will really work in helping protect against the extreme heat, cold, and drying climate. I use these lip balms and I have my family using them, as well. We all love them! Thanks for making such a wonderful product. :)" —inCandysCorner

Get it from Mountainess Handmade on Etsy for $5.

Promising review: "I'm a believer. My daughters have thick, curly hair that takes about 10 minutes to condition and wet-comb daily. Chlorine is kryptonite; their hair becomes frizzy polyester if they swim, rinse, and air dry. This AquaGuard Pre-Swim conditioner is amazing. We work it into wet hair, put the hair in a braid or ponytail, and swim. After swimming, the kids rinse off and comb their hair again. The next morning is the test — no polyester! In fact, the hair looks, smells and behaves as if it had been freshly washed and conditioned before bed. So very worth it!!!" —Denise

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes).

Psst — you should definitely "patch test" this on a small area of skin before putting it on to make sure you don't have any kind of reaction!

Here's what BuzzFeeder Elizabeth Lilly has to say about it: "I wore this stuff in nearly 100-degree weather and high humidity in Grand Cayman in July last year while exploring the Crystal Caves. Afterward my clothes looked and felt like I'd gone swimming, but my pits stayed odor-free and dry. (I also may or may not have gotten heat stroke that day.) Nothing short of a miracle!"

Promising review: "I recently developed a serious reaction to antiperspirants. My underarms would break out in a horrible, painful red rash. So I tried different 'natural deodorants.' They did not break out my underarms, but they didn't really work! So I tried Vanicream after reading several reviews. IT WORKS!! My underarms don't break out, and it works as well as any antiperspirant/deodorant on the market. After my first order, I ordered two more. Couldn't be more relieved and happy to find this product!!" —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $9.99.

Butt Be Dry is a New York-based small business established in 2012 that specializes in roll-up belts made with lightweight waterproof material.

Psst — this is also great for diaper changes in a pinch!

Promising review: "This is awesome! It is wonderfully made and serves a great purpose. It arrived promptly on Monday and Tuesday. I used it on a hike up Tiger Mountain in Washington State. We got to the top and there was snow on the benches; I was able to easily sit down and enjoy my lunch with my hiking buddy. Cool product — thanks!" —Lee

Get it from Butt Be Dry on Etsy for $19.99 (available in nine colors).

Promising review: "I saw these recommended on a TikTok for disabled people who can't regulate their temperature in the heat, and omg, was it worth buying them. You just add cold water and it's like an ice pack without the burning of the ice. They worked great for cooling my arm after the COVID shot! Excited to use them all summer!" —Muirgen Neal

Get a set of four for $19.99+ (available in 12 color combos).

Promising review: "Great running socks! I got these for the tab in the back that fits high enough in my running shoes to eliminate blisters. These definitely handle moisture, even in the Florida heat." —Leslie Cornwall

Get a pack of six from Amazon for $16.95+ (available in four color combos and sizes S-XL).

Soulistic Root is a Colorado-based, woman-owned Etsy shop established in 2018 that specializes in bath, beauty, and lifestyle products that are natural, nontoxic, cruelty-free, and environmentally friendly.

Promising review: "This allergy relief is amazing. I haven't taken my allergy medication in five days, only using this relief a few times throughout the day under my nose. Smells really nice and no more sneezing attacks... so glad I got it! Thank you so much!!!" —haniavega

Get it from Soulistic Root on Etsy for $15.

Promising review: "I wasn't certain if these would work for me or not. Since they aren't cotton, they're spandex, I thought they'd slip easily. You know what? They didn't. They not only didn't slip, but I love the colors. I love them so much I'm going to purchase the same style headbands from them but in different colors!" —Teresa T

Get a set of ten from Amazon for $13.99.

Promising review: "After many years of razor burn on my face/neck, I finally broke down and bought this per a friend's recommendation. I have sensitive skin and had given up hope that anything could help. This totally changed my outlook on shaving. My neck especially would be the worst. I dab it on immediately after I rinse and dry, post-shave. It does burn a bit but that goes away pretty quickly. Totally worth it to not have razor burn/bumps anymore. I only apply it once after shaving even though the directions recommend repeat applications the following day. Go ahead and purchase, you won't be disappointed!" —bill nye

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "Wow, these things work REALLY well. We don't have a shower at work and I wanted to start riding my bike to work... 12 miles each way. After a test run with these on a hot day after a ride (sweaty and stinky), they worked like a charm. I did my first ride to work last week and arrived quite sweaty. I only had to use one wipe (cleaning strategically) and air-dried for 15–30 seconds. No residue and I felt (and more importantly... smelled) as clean as if I just took a shower. As the day pressed on, I continued to feel clean... even more so than after showering. These things are fantastic." —green freak

Get a 40-pack from Amazon for $29.99.

Here's what BuzzFeeder Marquaysa Battle has to say about it: "I use this spray and will swear by it for the rest of my days. I definitely have oilier skin in the summer months and over the years, I've tried a number of drugstore setting sprays that did absolutely nothing. This spray is worth the extra coins. I even wore it to Puerto Rico. Through the blazing sun and lots of ocean splashes, my makeup did NOT budge."

Get it from Sephora for $36 (for the standard size) or $16 (for the mini travel-size bottle).

Hairbrella is a Black-owned small business established in 2016 that specializes in hats combining fashion and function to protect against all types of weather.

Promising review: "I never carry an umbrella cause they’re too bulky, so when I saw the Hairbrella I was so excited. It keeps my hair dry and my curls nicely quaffed, rather than me looking like I stuck my fingers in a light socket. I’m telling everyone I know about it, it's an amazing alternative to those wide-brimmed hats or a briefcase LOL! Truly it's never going to leave my side from now on! I definitely recommend it." —Gina C.

Get it from Amazon for $34.99+ or Hairbrella for $29.99+ (available in 10 colors).

Check out our full review of the GermGuardian air purifier for more deets!

Promising review: "We bought three of these units a couple years ago when the wildfires on our coast sent smoke and bad air quality up our way. It wasn't feasible to keep the windows closed 24/7 in the middle of summer. Not only did they work well for this purpose we also noticed a reduction in allergic symptoms from seasonal allergies, food/cooking smells went away within minutes and when we repurposed one of the units for the spare bathroom where my husband smokes and uses vaporizers the filters worked overtime to clean the air. On a fresh prefilter with a HEPA that isn't spent you can't even tell he smokes in there, and the stuff it collects is fascinatingly disgusting, lol. In this unit we change the filters much more frequently to keep that level of cleaning up and we DO cut our own filters to fit based on several other reviewers' suggestions. Such a great value for the price." —FriendlyShopper

Get it from Amazon for $79.10.

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.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Promising review: Super cushy, fits true to size . I have a heel spur and planters fasciitis so regular flip flops bother me after wearing several hours, these do not. Promising review: Someone gave me one of these types of bracelets to use one day and it seemed to work SOOOOOO I decided to buy myself an arsenal to prepare for this summer. I've only used this bracelet twice but both times I was outside and un-touched. Promising review Yesterday I got the worst burn. It was unbelievable increasingly better throughout the day. The burn is mostly faded, and the pain is so much better Promising review: Promising review: Used it a few time to relieve itchiness and I am convinced it works! Have been recommending it to my family and friends. Promising review: Best advice ever, used this when we were at Disney this past year. Love that it folds up nice and small, great fan that I'd recommend to anyone Promising review: . We put it on her car seat and on her stroller when we go on walks. I’ve even propped it up on our desk when I’m working and holding our daughter. put your hair in a ponytail (but that it's easy to unsnag if it gets caught) Promising review Promising review I have also worn it playing tennis and found that it's more comfortable than wearing a visor. Putting it on is like giving my eyelashes butterfly wings. Promising review I am beyond amazed with how my lashes look after about two coats. For around $5 you couldn't ask for a better mascara! Promising review: It is very sleek and lightweight enough to carry when you have other items in your hand. Promising review: , you can tend to get a little dehydrated, no matter how much water you drink. I start to feel better soon after I drink one. Promising review: Promising review: Promising review: I've used it for sinus pain, migraines, swollen neck glands, under-eye circles/bags, inflamed acne, TMJ pain, etc. It also stays cold for forever but never sweats or leaves water behind. It's like magic Promising review: . Sunburns take forever to heal on me and after applying this, my burns are practically gone in a day. Promising review: Promising review: I went down a Instagram rabbit hole and saw a similar girl show how her frizz was curls. I ordered this!! My mind has been blown!! It is easy to use and air dry Promising review: This is the best and easiest to use wax I have ever tried. . I would pay $150 dollars for this stuff because it is so good. Promising review: , I was able to sleep again, it doesn't slip off even with my tossing and turning, and it stays cool. Promising review: hands-free shade solutions for strollers and wheelchairs as well! Promising review liked it so much recently with all the 'COVID driveway happy hours' he bought an additional one for him. It is easy to fold and replace in the carrying case. It is worth every penny Promising review seamless transition for layering under the most challenging tops like silk and super soft lightweight T-shirts. I even wear them while exercising, no issues! ) I wear these a couple of times a week and am very happy with the product, highly recommend! Promising review Promising review: Chlorine is kryptonite; their hair becomes frizzy polyester if they swim, rinse, and air dry In fact, the hair looks, smells and behaves as if it had been freshly washed and conditioned before bed. I wore this stuff in nearly 100-degree weather and high humidity in Grand Cayman Nothing short of a miracle!" Promising review: IT WORKS!! My underarms don't break out, and it works as well as any antiperspirant/deodorant on the market. Promising review: We got to the top and there was snow on the benches; I was able to easily sit down and enjoy my lunch with my hiking buddy. Promising review Promising review: Promising review: Promising review: " Promising review: I have sensitive skin and had given up hope that anything could help. This totally changed my outlook on shaving Totally worth it to not have razor burn/bumps anymore. I only apply it once after shaving Promising review: No residue and I felt (and more importantly... smelled) as clean as if I just took a shower. Here's what BuzzFeeder Marquaysa Battle has to say about it: " Promising review . It keeps my hair dry and my curls nicely quaffed I’m telling everyone I know about it, it's an amazing alternative to those wide-brimmed hats or a briefcase LOL! Promising review: It wasn't feasible to keep the windows closed 24/7 in the middle of summer. Not only did they work well for this purpose we also noticed a reduction in allergic symptoms from seasonal allergies, you can't even tell he smokes in there, and the stuff it collects is fascinatingly disgusting, lol. My boobs chafe SO BADLY under my sports bra bands, Promising review: