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29 Affordable Products To Take Your Summer To The Next Level
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BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Read More An adorable reversible bucket, easy-to-use ice pop molds, comfy pool loungers, and other under-$50 summer products. I am a contributor and former resident writer at BuzzFeed Shopping, where I covered everything from fashion to kitchen products — but beauty and travel are my bread and butter (and shopping vices). Glo Jo Creations is a small business based in California that makes handmade hats, bags, and other accessories. Promising review: "This item is absolutely cute and amazing! The hats fit PERFECTLY and are so awesome, being reversible, they give you more options for outfits and putting them together! The shipping was super fast, and these hats are PERFECT FOR THE HEAT/SUMMER! Heck, I’ll be wearing them even after the heat wave because they’re that versatile and great! Absolutely love them and can’t wait to see what other hat colors are made! Thank you, and I’ll be coming back a lot!" —Erik Get it from Glo Jo Creations on Etsy for $15 (available in three unisex sizes and 13 colors/patterns). Promising review: "Fits comfortably and looks amazing! I always have trouble finding a swimsuit that I like and that I’m comfortable in, and this one is a winner! The color is fabulous, too! I have a boxy figure, and this swimsuit gives me the confidence I need!" —Kris Farley Get it from Amazon for $27.79+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL, three styles, and a variety of colors/prints). Promising review: "These are a wonderful improvement on what my husband and I grew up with as kids. We have been using them every single day this summer. Actually, considering getting another set because we go through so many. They clean up well, and they freeze well. I really like the fact that I don't have to go out and buy additional ice pop sticks. We have been able to freeze everything from lemonade mixes to soda pop to juicy juice. We do not notice the smell with them. They're very easy to clean. It was a great value for the money. I personally like the color because I love orange. And my husband feels that they're very durable." —S Ackart Taylor Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in two colors). Promising review: “We lined about 12 of these up for a backyard party, and they totally transformed our backyard. A very inexpensive touch for a loud statement. We had some before, and they lasted a couple of years! Highly recommend!” —paige Get a four-pack from Walmart for $13.84. This stuff is STRONG, so make sure you do a spot test first — especially if you have sensitive skin. Promising review: "For anyone who might be skeptical, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be 9 degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sports coat before noon. Enter: the SweatBlock product. I've had it for three weeks, and it is life-changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat. I was sweating through my shirt on my back — BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" —Frosty McGee Get a pack of ten from Amazon for $19.97 (available in three pack sizes). Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action. BuzzFeed Shopping writer Emma Lord swears by this budget-friendly option: "I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact readily spent $26 on the famous OG blend from Blinc every time it needed replacing. I didn't even love it for the length half as much as the fact that tubing mascara like this genuinely never smudges, but can I just say — regardless of price, the E.l.f. tubing mascara formula blows all the others I've tried out of the water. It gives me way more length and volume than other brands, slides on so much more easily, stays put ALL day, and never, ever smudges. My favorite part, though, is how gently and easily it comes off with soap and water. In the past, other mascara removals have felt rough on my lashes, but this comes off so fast that I'm like ??? was I even wearing mascara a minute ago?? Anyway, I hesitate even writing this review because I want to gatekeep the hell out of this before it sells out, but the world needed to know. I'm a big fan of the brown shade (which is what I'm wearing above!), but it also comes in black and soft black." Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades). If needed (depending on where you want to put them), snag some shepherd hooks to set these up! Promising review: "We had a celebration of life for a music buff, and we ordered these to play music around the party. Excellent sound and volume, legitimately shocking for the value. The lights themselves look awesome, but the battery life was impressive — with the lights off, we didn't lose power for five hours of celebration. A few people asked me where I got them. My own father, another music buff, took them home. Easy to sync and use. Would be great indoors or out." —Nicole Promising review: "This lounger has two great uses for my family: 1) My husband and I can use it individually or together to lie out and tan in comfort. 2) My backyard doesn’t have a pool, so this lounger has been a great shallow 'pool' for my toddler to cool off in during this summer. It’s very easy to inflate. You can use an electric pump or your mouth; it’s easy either way. I’d say it’s pretty durable since we have been using it all summer with no issues. Quick to deflate and can fold up pretty small once it’s dry, so it's very portable. It’s attractive, easy to keep clean, and comfortable to lie in. If you’re considering getting this, do it! It’s great!" —Rikki Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three sizes and six colors/prints). Promising review: "I've been using these SunPrint kits since childhood (so over 30+ years!) I remember buying them at nature stores in the '80s and '90s, and they are as fun today as they were back then. All you have to do is place objects, plants, toys, or anything you want to contact print on the light-sensitive paper right side up, put it in the sun for a few minutes, then rinse the paper with water. The images will darken as they dry as well, enhancing the blue color. There's no mess, which I love. These kits are also a great introduction to cyanotype printing for artists interested in trying the medium before graduating to mixing chemistry." —K.K. Promising review: "This stuff is amazing, especially for the price. I have very oily skin, and no matter what I did, my makeup would smear by midday. I bought this, and it made such a big difference. I usually spritz it all over my face after applying foundation and then again after finishing my eyeshadow (before mascara, though). My foundation stays in place, and my eyeshadow remains perfect until I take it off at night... No creases or anything. I love this product and hope they never stop making it." —Betchaan Get it from Amazon for $9.91 (available in three finishes and bundles). Promising review: "Feel like expensive high-end hotel sheets. I normally use flannel sheets year-round because it’s the only material I like, but these are my new favorite. Very soft and cooling. Fit our bed perfectly. I purchased both for our bed and our spare room and have only gotten compliments from guests. Great sheets without the huge sticker price." —Anna Greenlun Get it from Amazon for $36.97+ (available in sizes twin–California king and for a split king, extra deep pocket versions, and 43 colors/prints). Promising reviews: "I love spending time outside, and we entertain on our patio, too. But when it's over 100 degrees outside, nobody feels like visiting. Until now!! I bought one and liked it so much I ordered another to cover both patios. They lower the temps to a more moderate level in just moments and don't use 100 gallons of water doing it! I put mine along the top of our privacy fence, and then put a fan behind it, and made it almost like having an AC unit outside. They're easy to put up and take down, and come with convenient hanging hooks! "I read the reviews people wrote about the heads getting stopped up, and they WILL, but as a plumber, I'll tell you a trick to keeping them working like new: vinegar. Just remove the heads and soak them in a little straight vinegar, then use a small bristle brush like a toothbrush or nail brush, rinse them off, and replace them in the mister tubing, and they should be like brand new." —Sonya Combs Get it from Amazon for $16.96 (available in several pack sizes). Promising reviews: "These are epic! Easy to transport and 100% delicious." —Rebekah D. "I will definitely buy this product again. It dissolved easily and had a great chocolate flavor. Along with vodka, I did add simple syrup to make it sweeter." —Emily Townsend Get a variety pack with four flavors from Amazon for $14.99 (available in 12 different flavors and a larger pack size). Promising review: "I love these freezer cups. I actually use them with soda, or some call it pop. I hate hot soda and forget to put the little cans in the fridge. With these, I can pour in a room-temperature soda, and it is perfectly cold pretty quickly and keeps its fizz. I need more, and I want some that are a little bigger so that I don’t have to refill. Also perfect for Bailey’s on the rocks without watering it down and to keep my white wine cold while I sip." —Cristina Get a set of two from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors/prints). Reviewers recommend ordering one size up for a more comfortable fit. Promising review: "It’s very comfortable for working out and traveling, too! It looks great on. I’m a size small in tops, but I ordered a medium, and it fits perfectly. It’s super comfortable, not super fitted, but just about right." —Kevin Shah Get it from Amazon for $21.99 (available in women's sizes S–XXL and 23 colors). Promising review: "This dress has adjustable straps. It hugs you but isn't bodycon, which I liked. I paired it with a denim jacket for versatile temps of the airport, and it was great for travel." —Keeli Get it from Amazon for $14.24+ (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 46 colors/prints). Tiki Toss is a small business that took a classic hook and ring game to the next level by creating several unique ways to play it. Promising review: "We all love this game. Everyone who comes over cannot stop playing Tiki Toss. So simple and so fun. The product's quality and design are fantastic. Also makes a great gift." —jzek Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "Last-minute purchase for a trip to Jamaica. So happy I bought them. They always kept our towels on the chairs correctly. It was also easy to tell our chairs apart from others at the resort. Will definitely be recommending them to others." —Rose's Favorite Finds Get a four-pack from Amazon for $11.99 (available in four color combinations and a set with extendable clasps). Promising review: "I put one sponge in each skimmer basket, and after only one day, they were both absolutely disgusting! Our pool is clear, so I have no idea where all of the yuck came from, but I would imagine this will help take a load off the pool filter. I will definitely be using these routinely from now on!" —Summer Get a 20-pack from Amazon for $7.99 (available in a pack of 40). 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 number of bites I got last summer was WILD. Someone gave me one of these bracelets to use one day, and it seemed to work SOOOOOO well that 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 untouched. 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 $9.99 (available in larger pack sizes). Promising review: "I have been searching for a sunscreen like this for a long time. I really dislike putting anything heavy on my face and prefer a gel-like consistency. I am a big fan of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid serum, and the texture of this sunscreen feels pretty close to that. I have tried much more expensive 'serum' sunscreens and find this one my favorite and for a much better price point." —JHoch Megababe is a woman-owned small biz making skincare products for problems the beauty industry often ignores. Promising review: "I love everything from Megababe, and this is amazing! Got rid of shaving irritation almost immediately, and the red bumps were gone entirely in under 24 hours." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in two sizes). Bright Eyes is a small biz that makes cool lights! These use six AAA batteries, which are included in the kit. Promising review: "These grill lights are exactly what I needed! They light up the area so well. The magnets are strong, and the ability to direct the light where needed is great. The package they came in is perfect for storing them when not in use! I have recommended these to several people who also think they are great. I was worried they would be cheap and maybe not have a lot of magnetic hold to them, but they do!!" —LC Promising review: "We got this screen so our dog can go in and out freely without letting the bugs in. At first, he wasn't quite sure about going through it; in fact, he scratched at it, signaling us to open it for him. But after a few training treats, he figured it out. Installation was so easy! The hook-and-loop closure, fabric, and mesh all seem very good quality. I'm also happy that we can take down the screen in the winter and store it away easily, then just reattach it in the spring. Very happy with my purchase!" —Crystal K Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in seven sizes). 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 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 $17.99+ (available in three colors). It fits any phone up to about 3.4 inches x 6.7 inches. It's also a great fix for keeping out sand and dirt (and a great option for runners, if you're caught in the rain but still want to be able to toggle through your music options). Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck. And so it is, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river. Fast-forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver, and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it, and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" —Julie McDonald Get it from Amazon for $8.79+ (available in 12 colors and two-packs). A lot of reviewers mentioned this also helped prevent peeling and itching! Promising review: "I bought this product to take on our vacation. I am so glad I did. I got burned on my lower legs and the tops of my feet. I thought I had put on enough sunscreen. I didn't. That night, I woke with my legs and feet both burning and itching. The instant I put this on, I had relief. OMG, I cannot say enough about this stuff. Buy it. Keep it on hand. Great product. Thank you, Burt's Bees!" —D.S. Get it from Amazon for $8.93 (available in a three-pack). Promising review: "I've struggled with frizzy hair for years, but this has been a game changer for me. A few drops of this lightweight serum applied to damp hair before styling tames frizz instantly, leaving my hair smooth, shiny, and incredibly manageable. The argan oil infusion adds a touch of nourishment and helps to prevent future frizz. I'm so happy I finally found a product that actually works to control my unruly hair!" —Kleo Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (also available in a two-pack). Promising review: "I have the kind of eyebrows that look very full with brushing, but can quickly look like one has 'collapsed' once my hair or something else touches them. I’ve used nearly every product from Anastasia Beverly Hills, but I've never had luck keeping my brows in place. Well, let me tell you, this stuff is no joke. I had to scrub my eyebrows clean tonight to get them to move. If you need some help holding your fluff, this will be your new favorite product. Also, I was able to ditch the eyebrow pencil since this stuff holds every hair in the place you brush it." —Bailey M, Deacon Get it from Amazon for $4.99 (also available in a two-pack). 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.
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