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36 Heroic Problem-Solvers That’ll Save You From Summer Struggles
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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 It’s a bird, it’s a plane... no, it’s that misting system you mounted to keep you from overheating outdoors. I’m a resident writer on the BuzzFeed Shopping team covering a variety of topics in a fun and mindful way, including travel, home, beauty, gift guides, and anything that’ll add just a bit of whimsy into people’s lives. They're machine washable, and come with a reusable bag and carabiner. And for a wearable option, the brand also makes headbands with the same cooling tech! Promising review: "Summer trip to Europe was HOT this year! I mean HOT! Florence's 104-degree F temperatures made it hard to really enjoy the days of exploring, but thanks to these amazing little towels, I avoided heat exhaustion. So thankful I bought these. I was very skeptical, but I am glad I took a chance because they absolutely made a huge difference. You will still feel hot, and unless you buy this in 'blanket size,' you will still feel the effects of the heat, but they absolutely cool you and bring a respite when it matters. Especially when things are heading to a critical place, they absolutely 100% were a lifesaver for me. Started on my neck, ended up over my head (as you can see in the pic), and I repeatedly placed on my cheeks to cool them as needed." —Cristina Viera Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in 12 color packs). Promising review: "I get asked where I got this every time someone sees me use it! I love a sweet treat, but hate having cold hands, and this keeps my ice cream and me at the perfect temperature! I love the design and pattern, and can't believe I didn't think of this myself! It's the perfect size for my favorite pints, but I haven't tried every brand. Either way, this is one of my best “silly” purchases, and I think it would make a great stocking stuffer or gift for the ice-cream lover in your life!" —Kyia Costanzo Get it from Amazon for $9.59+ (available in four sizes and 160 designs). Promising review: "I love these pants! I bought the color Ecru, and it's a perfect light khaki. Not see-through. Soft. Hits right at the top of my sandals. I washed and dried them normally, and they didn’t shrink. Will be ordering other colors." —Allen family Get it from Amazon for $28.40 (available in women's sizes XS–6X and six styles). And because the device uses no chemicals or pesticides, it's kid and pet friendly. Promising review: "I can’t say enough wonderful things about these handy little bug catchers! They are simple to use, cheap to refill, and catch a ton of small bugs and flies. I have eight of them now, all around my house! It’s a little gross how many tiny flying insects are around…but it makes me feel a lot better now that I have these!" —Chris H. Get a device and two glue cards from Amazon for $14.97 (available in a larger kit, as the glue card refills, and another style). Promising review: "I'm officially obsessed with this body wash! It delivers a rich, creamy lather that cleanses deeply while keeping my skin's natural moisture intact. Unlike heavy formulas, it leaves behind a silky, breathable barrier that feels lightweight and fresh — never greasy. The 'Cool Mood' fragrance is a total game-changer; it’s crisp, invigorating, and perfectly matches the name. Between the convenient pump bottle and the incredible value, this is now a permanent staple in my shower." —Superwmn I started using this recently, and along with neutralizing odor, I've been super impressed with the way it keeps it at bay, too! It comes out as a gel-like texture, then bubbles up into a satisfying foam that leaves me feeling squeaky clean. Because I like following it with a scented body wash, it does add an extra step to my shower routine, but the results have been sooo worth it. Once it helped eliminate a mild rash I was dealing with (ohh, to be human 🫠), I knew it had earned its permanent place in my summer arsenal. Promising review: "This body wash is so incredible I cannot actually use another brand and attempt to even convince myself that I’m as clean. I use this on my face, under arms and chest. I also love this product to scrub my back. My skin has never been more flawless and in conjunction with the Surface Deep anti-odorant spray, I live smell-free during even the hottest of seasons here in Florida! 12/10 recommend!" —Justine Get it from Amazon for $28 (also available as pads and individually wrapped wipes). This product’s packaging says to avoid using it around open food, so keep your chip bags closed and hot dogs covered while you hang out. But it should be fine to pull out a hot dog and a handful of chips if you’re going to eat them right away. Read more about the low dosages of pesticides in products like this at the American Mosquito Control Association. Promising review: "I was very skeptical of this product but decided to give it a try after reading the reviews and knowing if it didn't work I could return it. Let me preface this review by saying I live a few miles from a swamp in south Louisiana. "I know it says wait 15 minutes to give it time to work, but I wanted to make sure mosquitoes were swarming to test it effectively. So I camped out in my favorite chair and was immediately swarmed by mosquitoes. I started the unit, and in about 15 minutes there wasn't a mosquito near me! No exaggeration. I am sitting outside as night is falling in south Louisiana and not one mosquito is buzzing me. I have been out here just over an hour and I have only two bites – one bite was from when I first sat down and before the unit was on 15 minutes. I am seriously impressed with this product and I am ordering more for gifts and to expand my own coverage as soon as I am done with this review. And there is no stinky citronella smell. There is no odor at all. Amazing." —NolaMom Get it from Amazon for $16.19+ (available in seven colors and in a two-pack). The Bug Bite Thing works best on fresh bites, and includes two sizes of suction. For older bites, it also includes a scraper to take off the top of the bug bite for better results. Also, to avoid any red markings left behind by the tool, it is best to only hold the suction for about 10–20 seconds. Promising review: "This is one of the best things I’ve ever purchased! About two hours before it was delivered, I noticed a big, itchy, red bump on my leg. Perfect timing! 😆 I used it for the first time just a few moments ago on said bug bite, and I’m happy to report the redness, the bump, and the urge to scratch are all GONE! My flabbers are ghasted and I’ll be ordering a few more to keep in the car, my purse, the medicine cabinet, etc. 🦟" —David & Heather Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in six colors). This is designed for dry sand, but works on wet sand, too! Check out the sand removal bag on TikTok. Shakalo is a small biz based in San Diego. Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1x–2x a week. I even use it on my dogs' paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of. I will definitely be buying the refill and another bag to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti Promising review: "Water sports shoes save the bottom of my feet from being torn up by the pebble tech on the floor of my pool. It also protects feet from the intense Arizona heat on pool decks (yes, even pool decks get extremely hot in Arizona). I will definitely wear them when at the beach — walking on sand and in the ocean." —noslip Get them from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in women's sizes 4–13.5, men's sizes 3–12, and various designs). And if your home is not floor-space friendly, Dreo makes a tabletop version! BuzzFeed Shopping editor Jenae Sitzes is a huge ~fan~ of this: "I have this exact tower fan, and as someone who doesn't have an AC in her bedroom (because it's a fire escape window), LET ME TELL YOU: It comes in clutch. And not only in the summer, but year-round — in the winter, this thing keeps us from burning up once our ~overzealous~ radiator kicks on (New Yorkers know). So yeah, our Dreo fan works pretty much 365 days a year and has been going strong since summer 2023. It has six speeds, though I only need to kick it up to full blast occasionally. It keeps me cool at night, it's quiet, and the night mode is super handy because it turns off the LED display quickly if you need to adjust the speed during the night. You can mute the little beeping sounds with the remote too if needed." Promising review: "GO BUY THIS NOWWWWW!!! My room has been hot for over FIVE months now with no AC. Especially now with summer, I almost feel like I want to pass out. I’m so glad I got this. It’s been two hours now since we got it in the mail and our room has completely turned around from hot to freezing cold. I can’t believe I’m saying this. I have purchased over three fans the past few months and this one tops it all." —Inca Get it from Amazon for $80.99+ (available in three colors and as a smart Wi-Fi version). Promising review: "It’s super compact, lightweight, and easy to carry everywhere. The pink color is adorable, and the design feels modern and cute. I really like that it comes with a clip and wrist strap. The airflow is surprisingly strong for such a small fan, and it charges quickly with the included USB cable. The battery lasts a good amount of time, and it’s also very quiet." —Jaime Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in six colors and as a two-pack). FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic. I studied abroad for a summer in Rome, and many of my classes were spent walking for 5+ hours under the hot sun. Even with sun protection and readily available water across the city, I felt *extremely* drained by the end of them. These Liquid IVs were truly so helpful in revitalizing me and cooling me down — they're super refreshing! I eventually began taking them when I knew I had an extra-long day ahead of me, and as someone who is super sensitive to the heat, I could feel a difference in my hydration levels in the days I drank them versus the days I didn't. Promising review: "I have tried other flavors but I personally love the concord grape one as it tastes like grape Kool-Aid to me and doesn't have that "electrolyte powder flavor" which is usually kinda salty. I took this on my trip to Universal Studios Orlando this past October to keep hydrated when the days were supposed to be really hot and humid. It works great at making sure I'm hydrated. Also, they are easy to stick in a purse or backpack if you need to and quickly dissolve. I hope they never get rid of this flavor." —Mary Get a pack of 16 from Amazon for $23.46+ (available in 20 flavors, and in a sugar-free version). Promising review: "When you live someplace that is hot and humid all summer and you don't have a car, just walking around the corner to the supermarket can be a very uncomfortable experience. This is the second summer that I have had one of these in my purse. Even if I feel OK outside, I can walk into a store and suddenly have a drop of moisture dripping down my face or worse, sweat in my eyes. Traditional handkerchiefs aren't easy to find anymore and tissues can leave bits of paper on your skin so these microfiber cloths are a great solution. They are soft, absorbent, thicker than ordinary handkerchiefs and they launder nicely. They feel nice and look nice." —sarany Get a pack of five from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two sizes and seven color combos). BuzzFeed Shopping contributor Ciera Cowan says: "My family uses these on our goldendoodle (who lives in Texas!) in the summer because he loves to run around our pool and he ends up with roughed-up, bloody paws from the hot pavement. When we first got these for him, he definitely walked like a baby deer! But after a day or two of wearing them inside the house, he's been comfortable wearing them outside ever since and walks/runs normally with them on! They stay secure with the Velcro straps even when he's zooming around the pool trying to get splashed." Get it from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in eight sizes and six colors). Note that 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: "As an avid Asian beauty user, I've used a lot of different Korean and Japanese sunscreens. I bought this on a whim for my trip to Italy, not expecting much. I've seen it advertised a lot on a bunch of TikTok videos and on BuzzFeed and figured it was overhyped. But oh my gosh, this thing is legit. Like freaking legit. It glides on really smoothly, the product's curve makes it really easy to apply, and it dries matte. It leaves no cast (on pale and tan skin) and also feels like nothing is there after a couple of minutes. It saved my boyfriend and I from the unmerciful Italian sun at peak summer. We ended up going through the entire stick by the end of our one-week trip just because of how often we were applying it. I honestly might switch from my HG sunscreen to this just because I love it so much! 100% recommend." —Hannah Get it from Amazon for $13.88 (available in a Glowing style, as a two-pack, and in liquid form). Note: This blanket is machine washable, though reviewers recommend gentle settings and low heat to avoid shrinking. Promising review: "Not sure what magic this is, but it's my favorite blanket for living in Florida. It's not a miracle ice pad or anything, but it's definitely kept cooler compared to everything else in the room. It's pretty thin and lightweight and ventilated well. Doesn't make you feel hot or stuffy. The fabric is really soft, and I have found myself feeling cooled off when putting it over me at bedtime somehow. I got the twin size, but it'll easily fit a full or even queen-sized bed. It's massive haha. The price is great for its quality. Highly recommend if you're sick of waking up with night sweats." —Gillian Hanley Get it from Amazon for $36.99+ (available in sizes throw XL–oversized king and 15 colors). Promising review: "I generate a LOT of body heat, so overheating has been a lifelong issue for me at night any time it isn't the dead of winter. My mattress topper was just one of those typical memory foam ones, and those things love to retain heat, so despite the other things I had, I kept waking up sweaty and nasty anytime it was over 70 degrees in my apartment. My sister grabbed one of these and said it was a night and day experience, so I gave it a shot last summer and HOLY. SHET. This thing works. Not only is it soft and well made, but it's breathable and keeps me nice and perfectly cool all night, year round. It's not cold in the winter, and it's not hot in the summer, and I have had very few sweaty nights over the last 365 days thanks to this thing. If you produce way too much body heat, or you live in an area like I do where AC is not normal because warm weather historically was not, either, this thing is your new BFF." —The Overlord Get it from Amazon for $23.99+ (available in sizes twin–California king and three colors). Promising review: "I just did 12 hours at Universal Orlando Epic Universe, and this stuff saved me. I used to use deodorant for my [chafing] when I wear a skirt, but this seemed to last longer. I also used it on my feet (I was wearing EVA foam sandals), and I most definitely would’ve gotten blisters if I hadn’t used this stuff. I’ll never do a theme park without this in my bag again." —Susie Get it from Amazon for $6.29 (also available as a two-pack). Promising review: "I wore these in Greece in August and they saved my life!! It was so so hot and I wore these everyday under my dresses and skirts. They honestly were cooling and kept my thighs comfortable as we walked a ton. A bonus, they didn't smell after repeated wears. Highly recommend!!" —J Get it from Thigh Society for $39 (available in women's sizes XS/S–5XL/6XL, six inseams, and 19 colors). Start by applying the sticker to your skin, then apply sunscreen on your skin and over the dot, wait 30 seconds for it to absorb and then face direct sunlight for one minute to make the spot turn clear. Once it turns from clear to purple, you'll know it's time for another layer of sunscreen! Promising review: "After yet another bad sunburn, even though I'm trying VERY HARD to keep sunscreen on, I bought these. First use was at Disneyland on a 90-degree zero clouds day. This helped so much! I kept an eye (as did my friends) on the dot so we all knew when to reapply sunscreen, and not one of us got burned. I also used these on a weeklong hiking adventure in Utah where it was also in the 90s with an extreme UV index. None of us got burned, so all in all, this is one of the best inventions!" —Catherine Shock Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $16.48 (also available in two other pack sizes). This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or SLS. Promising review: "I’ve been using this product for years now. My first trip to Costa Rica I had it and trust me when I tell you it’s saved my life. I live in Florida now and I never go anywhere without it. After any time in the sun you can use this and you can believe that your skin will be nourished and moisturized it will not hurt and your skin will not peel if used properly. I said your skin will not peel. I love this product for it." —Kenneth Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available as a three-pack). The complete kit includes a misting line, wall clips, 20 brass mist nozzles, a 3/4-inch brass adapter, six additional replacement nozzles, and two replacement T-connector misters. Reviewers also recommend installing an inline filter to lessen sediment and calcium buildup in your misters, which helps them last longer and require less cleaning. Promising review: "Put these up in Arizona, and it makes the outdoors quite lovely. You can make them as long or short as you want, and just put the end piece on it to customize it how long you would like. I took a picture of my outdoor thermometer, it was 109 degrees out, and after running these for 10 minutes, it was reading under 80 degrees." —Brendan Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in five lengths). To use, just attach it right to your hose! Promising review: "We moved from New Hampshire to Florida a year and a half ago. I knew Florida was hot but…I bought this so I could sit out on the lanai on the hottest of days (95+) and it did the trick! It provides a nice light mist that you can move in any direction. It’s a nice weight so it doesn’t move. It obviously cannot replace a swimming pool but it will keep you cool. My dog likes the light mist and has even fallen asleep while being sprayed! An easy alternative until we get a pool! Buy it, you won’t regret it!" —Patricia Harty Get it from Amazon for $21.82 (also available in a pack of two, three, and four). You can read more about UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and why it matters at the Skin Cancer Foundation. Promising review: "Guys. If you’re going on a trip and need a cute hat but don’t want to worry about it getting smashed…look no further. I bought this hat last summer. It’s been as far as The Maldives and all over Europe, and I wear it on the reg in southern California. It’s totally kept its shape, and I’m not shy of shoving it in bags. 10/10 recommend! I’m sitting on a bus in Croatia right now thinking how awesome this hat has been and decided to write a review, as I rely on reviews for my purchases on Amazon. Hope this helps someone!" —Lyra S. Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three sizes and 13 colors). Promising review: "This is by far the BEST clinical protection deodorant I’ve ever tried. I live in Florida, and it’s very humid. I was also going to Hawaii for vacation and didn’t want to be smelly or have to clean my armpits and reapply all throughout the day. It goes on white, then clear. I love this product, it works right away, keeps me dry all day and smells great!" —Anais Get it from Amazon for $8.87 (available in two other styles). Promising review: "These shades not only block out the sun but actually stay on the window! Super easy to install, the static cling technology is the best thing I've seen yet when it comes to window shades. I live in Texas, and these pass the sun test!" —Avery Russell Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.99 (available in three sizes and a two- and four-pack). Promising review: "Withstands 110+ degree weather when I park outside Vegas in the summer, and my steering wheel is fine to touch. I can’t ask for more than that!" —Ama Zon Customer Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in three sizes and 13 colors, plus a breathable style). Promising review: "I didn’t expect to love this T-shirt as much as I do, but here we are. This tee has totally earned a spot in my regular rotation. It looks like a classic cotton shirt, but feels lighter, smoother, and cooler, like it was actually made with real life in mind. It’s relaxed without feeling boxy, and the fabric drapes nicely without clinging. It also holds up well throughout the day, no weird stretching or bunching, and it's breathable even when it’s warm out." —Anni Get it from Uniqlo for $19.90 (available in women's sizes XXS–XXL and eight colors). Promising review: "My favorite dry shampoo! It smells great and truly is sweat-activated. I wear it during some heavy workouts, and I can smell it, and it helps keep my hair from being greasy if I have plans after." —Marianna Stutts Get it from Amazon for $9.98+ (available in two sizes). Promising review: "I've used foot mask booties in the past that take a few days to work and then your feet are peeling for days which is a bit unsightly. I bought this spray based on the reviews and it did not disappoint. A few spritzes and some gentle massaging with a non-abrasive foot file and the results were astounding. I can't believe how much skin came off and how smooth my feet are after no more than five minutes." —Brenda W. Get it from Amazon for $6.89 (also available in a two-pack). Megababe is a woman-owned small business from entrepreneur, body acceptance advocate, and influencer Katie Sturino. When I studied abroad, I knew I would be walking long hours in Rome and was horrified that my roommates would suffer the consequences. I had never heard of foot deodorant, but I am forever grateful it exists. This one has a refreshing lavender smell, and with a quick spritz to my feet, shoes, and sometimes socks for that extra layer of defense, my feet remained completely stank-free! I only had two pairs of shoes, a leather pair of sandals and a pair of sneakers, and even when I wore them back-to-back, this spray kept them from ever retaining any odor (and yes, I gave them a proper whiff to check). I was seriously amazed it works so well (and that I still had some after eight weeks). Promising review: "LOVE IT!! Smells SO good! Works great! It sprays a fine mist and dries quickly. Love that it doesn’t leave feet feeling greasy or sticky, and doesn’t leave a white powdery finish like some of the others that are zinc-based. I spray it inside my sneakers and my kids' tennis shoes, softball cleats, and track spikes. My mom is using it while having to wear an air cast on her foot from a leg surgery. Will definitely be purchasing a few more bottles and buying it regularly!" —Jamie Layne Fields You can read more about UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) and why it matters at the Skin Cancer Foundation. When folded, this umbrella measures 6.9 inches and can be carried in its compact case for on-the-go use! Despite its lightweight design, it can hold up to light breezes and rains, but it's best suited for sun protection. Promising review: "This parasol is completely opaque, no sunlight gets through whatsoever. From that alone, you have a 5–10 degree temperature difference compared to those unfortunate non-parasol-wearing folks. It also covers your chest and shoulders, and that was a large concern for me as hats don’t cover those areas. I have tested it out already on several 100-degree-plus days in desert heat and it is amazing! I am no longer scared of parking lots and having to walk a distance to the store because of no close parking. This parasol is lightweight and easy to put in your bag. I may get another just in case!" —mandy Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 14 colors and packs of two). Promising review: "They are great and help prevent big messes. Even if the ice cream or popsicle may still drip, most it if not all is captured in the cup portion. My 3-year-old grandson loves them." —leslie mann Get a two-pack from Amazon for $9.99 (available with or without sleeves and in a four-pack). If you don't want to drill into the wall to install curtains, we recommend going with either a tension rod, Command hooks or brackets that connect to existing blinds. Promising review: "I don’t know why I didn’t buy these years ago. I live in a dorm with old curtains that barely helped block the parking lot light at night, let alone the blazing morning sun out of my east-facing room. I got these curtains and can now get my room pitch dark at night and darker than I had ever had it before even with the harshest light. The curtain itself lights up a little with the most direct sunlight, but it is still easy to sleep through and doesn’t ever wake me up. One of the best decisions ever and I have no complaints." —MallardTop Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.95+ (available in 38 sizes and 68 colors). Pick up a sturdy rust-resistant curtain rod while you're at it! Promising review: "These curtains are AMAZING! Beautiful and elegant. Hangs beautiful, very light blocking, keeps rain out of our Tiki bar, we can sit out there in the rain, and keeps the heat in on a cool fall evening when we have the fireplace on!" —Sara Bushendorf Get a pack of four from Amazon for $46.95+ (available in 11 sizes, individually, and 15 colors). 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. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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