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This year, you’re gonna beat summer. Is it a competition? No. Are you still gonna win? Yes.

I am a staff writer on the BuzzFeed Shopping team who focuses primarily on practical and problem-solving products (although you can also catch me writing about cute, fun, and ~weird~ products, too!).

Promising review: "It's been a game changer for my outdoor living experience. If you've been struggling with pesky mosquitoes, flies, and other flying insects invading your outdoor space, this innovative bug zapper might be the perfect solution. First and foremost, the bug zapper's effectiveness is impressive. It effortlessly attracts and eliminates a wide range of flying pests. The bright UV light lures insects in, and the high-voltage electric grid takes care of the rest. The coverage area is substantial, making it perfect for patios, decks, gardens, and more. I've noticed a considerable reduction in the number of annoying insects buzzing around while I enjoy my outdoor activities." —CZP10C

You can also use these in your laundry, fridge, closets, and more!

Promising review: "Exactly what I was looking for. I needed something to store in my gym shoes, and these are great! Nice fresh laundry smell." —Amazon Customer

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $5.98+ (available in six scents).

The liners come with trimming guidelines so that you can cut the insert to your desired size.

Promising review: "I love love love these! I’ve repurchased this exact pattern multiple times, but the product itself is great for shoes that you can’t wear socks with, but want to make last longer. I work in an environment where I am constantly walking around, both inside and outside, so these are really great. They also add an extra grip for some of my mule-type shoes. Super easy to clean as well; you just take them out, throw them in with your wash, and any smells or dirt come right out." —Quinn Holdridge

Get it from Amazon for $9.32+ (available in two sizes [fits women's sizes 6–13] and three colors).

For best results, replace every four hours.

Promising review: "I'm mosquito heaven and get eaten alive every spring and summer. I've used the spray bug stuff in the past, but I really don't like spraying it on my skin. I put one of these bracelets on an ankle and one on the opposite wrist before playing pickleball and haven't had one bite yet!" —Amazon Customer

Get a pack of 10 from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two styles and larger packs).

Promising review: "I’m happy to say this product works! I purchased this product due to my inability to provide my skin with appropriate sun protection one day this summer. I proceeded to spend a night wishing that I could safely freeze myself into an ice cube. Midnight discomfort led me to this product. The initial use was a day or two after the day of regret, but it eased the discomfort and moisturized my reddened skin, helping to soften the leather layer I had started to form. Of course, this review would not be complete without me faulting myself a second time. Two times in one summer I proved my inability to adult well. I applied this lotion the MINUTE I realized that I had experienced another exposure to the sun for too long a period. To my absolute joy, this product relieved my discomfort. It left a layer that stayed cool for a few hours (at which time I reapplied it), it was a little tacky to the touch (not sticky or oily), and my skin did not experience the crocodile and subsequent peeling experience it had earlier in the season. The scent is soft and not overpowering. I have experienced skin sensitivity in the past to products, but I had no issues with Burt’s Bees products. Thank you for providing me with such a helpful product." —Meghan 

Promising review: "I've been searching for something to remove the weeds for a while and came across this amazing tool. Since I refuse to use chemicals in my yard, I've been left with scraped knuckles every time I attempt to remove weeds. The weeds have grown so tightly in the concrete cracks that I pretty much gave up; even weed-whacking it didn't help much. Yes, you do have to use a little bit of effort, but the end result was so worth it!" —Shelley Arakaki

Based in Oregon, Grampa's Gardenware Co. is a family-run small business dedicated to helping you while gardening. 

Promising review: “Oh my god, I friggin' love this tool. I bought this on a whim, given that my husband and I bought our first house, and I know nothing about caring for a yard, and boy has it come in handy. Our new house had a ton of weeds in the front yard, and this tool helped me get most of them out in no time. In fact, the process of yanking out the weed was strangely satisfying! I don't think anyone can say that weeding is fun, but this tool made it as close to fun as you can get” —JG 

Promising review: “I take very good care of my 67-year-old feet. Always have cause I am a distance walker and biker. Yet summer sandal weather in Texas had them looking and feeling less than baby-pink and soft. For me, it took only three minutes on the heels and ball of my foot, with a bit on the outside edge of my big toe. But WOW, this really worked. In 10 minutes total, I am soft and super smooth and good to go!” —C. brown

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three scents).

Promising review: "A lifesaver! The compact design makes it easy to carry in your bag or pocket. The fan's performance is impressive; it generates a strong breeze for its size, instantly cooling me down on hot days. The noise level is pleasantly low, perfect for use in quiet environments. The battery life is impressive, lasting through extended outings. It's a must-have for anyone looking to stay cool and refreshed during summer or while traveling. We are thrilled with this handy little fan!" —Allie

Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "This is the best fan we've ever had. Blows cold air across the room at full speed. Very quiet, and I only keep it on number two speed at night. It is still blowing cool air. It was 90 degrees, and our air conditioner wasn’t plugged in yet. The fan kept me very comfortable and actually chilly. We just ordered another one. Highly recommend, and I am very picky about my appliances." —Amazcurtis nunamakeron Customer

Get it from Amazon for $89.94+ (available in two colors and with or without Wi-Fi capabilities).

Promising review: "Easy to use. This self-tanner is great! It doesn't leave a lingering scent and does not transfer. It developed into a very nice tan, not orange at all! This is a must-have for spring and summer." —Wendy

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in seven shades and a mist format).

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

Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times, so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. I used this little tool (three times per the instructions), and immediately after use, it stopped itching! And less than 24 hours later, the bite = gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing, but that is a small price to pay, IMO. Bottom line: It’s awesome. I’m carrying it with me everywhere!" —Rebecca

Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in six colors).

Promising review: "These molds worked perfectly! I filled them with puréed berries, and they took the shape of the mold excellently. It was very easy to peel off the silicone mold, so the ice pop did not lose any shape or detail. I rinsed the mold with hot water and tossed it in the top rack of the dishwasher to wash." —Finest018

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in seven other styles).

Learn more about different kinds of eye drops and what they can do at Cleveland Clinic. Note that eye drops can potentially mask symptoms of eye conditions, so you should talk to your eye doctor about what's right for you.

Promising review: "I live in the mid-Atlantic region, where pollen is bad April through June. Despite having an air purifier, washing my hands regularly, changing and washing my linens regularly, etc., I still struggle with itchy, watery eyes and blurry vision. This eye drop is THE BEST! One drop in each eye is plenty. Best for severe allergies." —ESB 

Promising review: "I have super oily skin and am always looking for something to help control it during the day. The linen squares are good, but you have to keep them around (aka keep replacing them), and they end up in the landfill. This little contraption really works, and I just rinse it at the end of the day and start over again the next. I kept one on my desk and bought a second for my purse. This is magic for my shiny skin, especially on camera in my hours of Zoom every day." —Jennifer Helseth

Promising review: "A miracle-worker! I bought at least seven different types of products, trying to destroy an army of fruit flies. This is freaking awesome stuff! I seriously am beyond thankful that this product works." —JMC 

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 will tell you I am very fair and on medication that makes me sensitive to the sun's rays. I read review after review ’til I found this product, which came with such high reviews from my fellow Amazon shoppers, so I purchased it. LOVE, LOVE, AND LOVE THIS PRODUCT! I was in the sun for about three hours, and everywhere I put this product, it did its job. My go-to sunscreen from this day forward. My 5-year-old granddaughter used this product as well. The same results after three hours and tons of pool time in Orlando." —April Morgano 

Promising review: "This is a thick-thighed person's dream! If you suffer from the dreaded 'chub rub' as I do, you need this stick in your life! I have always struggled with chafing between my thighs during warmer months when wearing dresses or shorts. This stick is a game changer. I was able to apply a bit on my inner thighs and wear a dress to DISNEYLAND ALL DAY! I didn't even reapply it throughout the day. One application, and I walked like 25,000 steps in a dress with NO chafing at all! Magic. A true miracle. Also, the stick seems to last quite a while. I wear dresses a lot, and it took me several months to run out. I will be buying this for the rest of my life!" —LilDevil1828 

SuperFit Hero is a woman-owned small business based in California specializing in premium plus-size activewear in sizes L–7XL.

Promising review: "I’ve had these for a while but have generally felt nervous about wearing skintight anything in public, so I haven’t given them a real test. Today I said, 'What the hell, you only live once,' and wore them on a hike. They were SO GOOD! Super supportive, wicking, zero chafing, stayed put both on the waist and the leg, and lay flat under the waist belt of my pack. These shorts are the real deal. Just more confirmation that Superfit Hero is the place to go for serious athletic gear for larger bodies. I will definitely be hiking in them in the future!" —Mollie S.

Get it from SuperFit Hero for $75 (available in women's sizes L–7XL and seven colors).

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

Promising reviews: "I recently came back from a three-day cruise, and I feel amazing. No nausea and no seasickness, all because of these. I wish I had found out about them sooner." —Eve

"I have now bought this for the third time. I wear them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because I suffer from extreme vertigo, and when I wear them, I experience no vertigo whatsoever. They say not to wear them all the time, but it works!" —C51

Get the pack of two from Amazon for $8.53+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "This thing is a game changer. Ever since moving to Texas, I have suffered from terrible seasonal allergies. I never have in my life until now (turns out I'm allergic to a handful of trees that are native around here). For the past few weeks, my mornings have had me waking up congested and unable to breathe, blowing wads of snot out of my nose (sorry!), and with an itchy/scratchy sore throat. Then I found this little guy. I woke up this morning with NO allergy symptoms. None. No congestion, absolutely clear nasal passages, and NO sore throat at all! I'm blown away." —JJ

Get it from Amazon for $84.99+ (available in three styles and colors).

Promising review: "This stuff is amazing! I wore heels that always gave me blisters for eight hours, and I didn't get a single one when using this balm. It really worked! I plan on getting it again and again. I always have it in my bag at work, just in case. I did find it necessary to reapply if I took my shoes off and put them on again." —Donna

Promising review: "I didn't even think they made these clips anymore! I haven't been able to find them in stores, and didn't even think about looking online. Then I just happened upon these, and I am SOOOO HAPPY!! I can twist my hair up and snap one of these babies on in seconds, and BAM! Instant relief from the heat, and it keeps my hair out of my face. All without giving me a tension headache like most clips and ponytail holders do." —melanie hawkins

Get a pack of four from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in seven color combinations).

Promising review: "This helped my poor fur baby (Papa, who is a yellow lab/retriever mix who weighs about 70 pounds) so much. I was taking him to the vet with hot spots every few months, and they were treating the hot spots, but not the cause of them. The bills were over $200, and I needed something that was going to help him with his allergies. After two weeks, I saw where his fur is growing back, and he doesn't break out at all." —ERIE ANN

Get them from Amazon for $32.97 (available in five flavors).

Promising review: "I saw one of these in action at a friend's house like five years ago and thought it was just a made-up memory because making ice cream out of solely frozen fruit seems wild. But when I saw a TikTok about it, I immediately went to Amazon and bought it. Literally, this was the BEST decision of my life. I cannot believe still how amazing this thing is! It makes the creamiest, best-tasting fruit ice cream ever. It’s easy to take apart and clean, and super easy to use." —DMCKAY

Promising review: "No more noises! No more hot air getting inside! It was easy to install. I love it! Just clean the surface, measure it, cut it, and stick it over the door or window!" —yacxara Trujillo

Get it from Amazon for $6.97+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

Promising review: "We bought this for a rather large umbrella over our table in the backyard and used it for the first time last night. We were less concerned about mosquitoes because we have a service to eliminate them — it's the bees that were disturbing our outdoor meals and events. My wife hosted a few friends last night, and they all fell in love with this. They've all been fighting with bees lately, and they were not bothered once by any bugs. Every friend bought the netting on the spot – you're welcome to the company that manufactures this product. Also, when you're inside the netting sitting on chairs, it's almost as if the netting is invisible; most of the time, you can't tell whether it's even there, especially at night." —Sara Olshanky

Based on a two-acre farm in Oregon, Wild Rose Herbs is a small business making natural skincare products, from lip balm to tattoo aftercare products. 

Note: The CDC recommends only formulas with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, PMD, and 2-undecanone, so YMMV with this spray.

Promising review: "This is the ONLY insect repellent that I trust on my children and myself. The organic, natural ingredients and the care and attention Wild Rose Herbs puts into everything they create make this an easy choice. The scent is also really lovely, which is a big plus, and IT REALLY WORKS!" —Elhi33 

Get it from Wild Rose Herbs on Etsy for $9.93.

Promising review: "This is by far the best addition I have ever made to my morning routine. This ice roller wakes me up, makes my skin glow, and has been great helping me fight the Texas heat!" —Elizabeth

Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in eight colors).

Promising review: "This is truly a miracle product that provides intense moisture every time that I wear it." —Elizabeth W

Get it from Amazon for $8.50 (available in four flavors).

Promising review: "This is definitely a 'buy again!' It goes on incredibly clean and leaves your skin supple and smooth. After applying normal makeup, it feels just incredible and looks fabulous!" —Cheryl Carroll

Promising review: "These black aviator sunglasses are flawless! I was hesitant to buy these sunglasses because I have a nonexistent nose bridge, so I thought these wouldn't stay on my nose, but they do! Go ahead and buy yourself a pair! Definitely worth it!" —Jerolyn

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available individually and in 14 colors).

Promising review: "It is super cute and easy to use. My dogs love it, and it holds a good amount of water for two medium-sized dogs. They used it without thought." —Crucita S.

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in three sizes and 11 colors).

Eight Saints is a woman-owned small biz using only eight plant-based ingredients in their skincare products.

Promising review: "I love this toner. I use it at night as a regular part of my routine now with my other Eight Saints products. I also use it during the day occasionally, just for a refreshing, clean feeling. It helps remove the oil that builds up during the day and keeps my skin soft. I love the scent and would definitely recommend this product. I especially love this for summer months when my skin could use a little refreshing mist throughout the day." —Constance Haun

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.