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Here Are 33 Items That Help With The Reality Of Your Skin Being Exposed To The Great Outdoors
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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 Raise your hand if El Niño (and all these bugs) are kicking your butt. 🙋♀️ 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. 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 pack of 16 from Amazon for $16.49 (also available in packs of 32 and 48). 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 $9.99+ (available in 12 color packs). BTW, people also love this for helping heal piercings. Promising review: "What is this sorcery? Okay, so I’m not gonna lie. I thought all of the before-and-after pics were fake, but I was desperate, so I bought this stuff anyway. I had been dealing with an irritation bump for almost three months that I couldn’t get rid of, so I did some research and tried a variety of home remedies, none of which worked. Then I stumbled upon the Briotech spray and saw the before and after pictures and wanted soooo badly to believe them. I also didn’t want to get my hopes up, so I wrote them off as fake. I bought this stuff anyway (again, I was desperate) and I’m SO glad I did. I bought it on Sept. 5th, and my bump (which was huge and awful) was completely gone on Sept. 25th. I’m still in shock that it worked, but I’m so happy it did. Buy this! Stick with it, and I promise you won’t regret it!" —iamericadelaney Get an 8-ounce bottle from Amazon for $11.61 (available in five sizes and in packs of two and four). Promising review: "I decided I'd try leaves on top of the pergola along with some romantic solar lights. I ordered two of these in May, and here we are in August after being in full Florida sun and rain. So far, all the leaves are still attached and no color change! Impressive. You can see [above] how you get a delightful dappled sun on the hot tub, so we no longer bake in the FL sun while enjoying it during the day. Pleased with these for sure!" —October Sunshine Get a roll from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three sizes). You'll need some green zip ties to secure them, too. SweatBlock is a small business that specializes in antiperspirant products. Psst — you should definitely "patch test" this on a small area of skin before putting it on to ensure you don't have any reaction. And btw, each box lasts two months! Promising review: "What is this sorcery? I've only used this product for two weeks, but I love it so far! I am an excessive sweater and ruin all my light colored shirts. This stuff keeps me dry during inactivity and reduces the sheer amount of sweat when I get hot or work out. I haven't had ANY sweat stains on my shirts (not when working out) since starting this product. It worked immediately (well, the next day with nighttime application). I can't wait to tell all my sweaty friends." —Hil Get a 10-count box from Amazon for $19.98 (available in an unscented formula and in packs of two or three boxes). 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 six colors and in a two-pack). Quitch is a small business founded by moms. Promising review: "These are the best for when my son gets bitten by mosquitoes. He usually welts up pretty bad. These help with the scratching." —Brenda Diaz To get the most benefits out of the mandelic acid, it is recommended to let the soap sit on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing. Promising review: "When I say this works for BO, it’s magic. For someone living in a hot state, work in a hot job, always working out and sweating, this product keeps you in check ALL DAY! No skin irritants, no dryness, and I feel clean. The mint isn’t strong so you can feel the tingle, but not for long. I let it sit on my skin for at least three minutes before rinsing off. Best soap ever! I will continue to use this. Forget Dove antibacterial, forget Dial, BUY THIS!" —Shelby Get it from Amazon for $15.18 (also available in five other formulas and multipacks). Fresh Body is a small business that specializes in personal care products. Promising review: "This stuff is amazing. I am a sweaty person. Apparently, I have no thermostat because, randomly, I will just start sweating, and it's a lot. Well, I ended up with yeast under my breasts, and it gets red and sore. After you shower, dry off really well and apply this cream (a little dab will do ya) under your breasts and say goodbye to the inflammation and soreness. I also use it in the down-there region. I will be buying this forever." —Deb Warwick Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (also available in packs of two, three, and four). 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). 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 $14.99+ (available in six colors and as a two-pack). The rechargeable fan lasts for up to 16 hours, and it has three different speed settings. Promising review: "This fan works so well! I was worried with how hot it is in the South that it wouldn't keep me cool when I go on walks in 90+ degree temps, but on the strongest wind setting it produces a nice blast of air! I love it! It does make it hard to hear, but it's worth it to keep me cool. Would recommend." —Aaron Johnson Get it from Amazon for $22.79+ (available in black and white). Promising review: "The absolute best facial oil absorption sheets!!! As a girlie with an oily face, I have tried so many, including name brands, and nothing compares to how [wildly] good and makeup-friendly these are. This is my third purchase. I usually get the charcoal one but wanted to try the green tea and it has a very pleasant light green tea scent and just as effective as the charcoal option." —D. A. Get a pack of 100 for $5.99 (also available in larger packs and in a green tea version). Check out a TikTok of a dermatologist explaining the different ways this can be used! Promising review: "I will always recommend this product. I had extreme hyperpigmentation in my armpits, textured skin on my face, and I am overall sweaty during the summer. My armpits are completely light and clear again, my T-zone on my face is smooth and my skin tone is more even, and when I put this on sweaty spots the night before it signifcantly reduces odor. Sorry for the TMI — but for the sweaty people, you need to try this! I have and will continue to repurchase. I use this every day." —Anna Get it from Amazon for $9+ (available in two sizes and as a two-pack). 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 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 curve of the product makes it really easy to apply, and 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 me 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 over from my HG sunscreen to this just because of how much I love it! 100% recommend." —Hannah Get it from Amazon for $16.27 (available in a Glowing style, liquid formulas, and multipacks). 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: "Wish I would have found this sooner! Works great and so far the cheapest option I have found for powder sunscreen. Love that my face isn’t greasy anymore from normal sunscreen!" —Michelle "I have fine hair so anytime I’m in the sun I get burnt on my scalp. Regular sunscreen make my hair super oily and gross and I cannot stand wearing hats. I'm so glad I found this. You do have to apply it more often, and also it doesn’t work if it gets wet. Love this stuff, it's such a lifesaver." —james 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 Read about how saline nose sprays can help with allergic rhinitis at the Mayo Clinic. And chat with your doctor or allergist to see if it's right for you! Promising review: "This gentle nasal spray really works! While living in the Midwest, I experienced seasonal allergies. In Southern California, my allergies are year-round. I began using AYR Saline Nasal Mist, and I love it! As if by magic, my nasal passages clear up almost instantly. A little sidebar here...my little terrier-mix dog has allergic nasal dryness, and I am now using it on her. It is equally effective for my Canine Companion (I first consulted my veterinarian, of course). I now have labeled each of my two AYRs, one for Carly and one for me . . . (*_^)!" —PJ Get a pack of two from Amazon for $9.29. Many reviewers also say it helps reduce puffiness on their face when used in the morning. Read more about how temperature therapy can help with migraine prevention at Mayo Clinic. Promising review: "Well made for the price. I find it’s helpful in the morning for puffy eyes. It’s great to use after a workout in sunny Florida. I use it to cool down and reduce redness after exercising." —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in eight colors). Promising review: "This is by far my favorite facial mask. They're incredibly soft and flexible, making them very easy to place on the face. As soon as I put them on, my skin feels instantly cooled and refreshed, with a well-hydrated finish. Even when my skin is irritated, these pads quickly calm redness and feel very soothing. I usually leave them on for five minutes or less, and that’s more than enough for great results. Perfect for quick skin calming and hydration." —Highly recommend it! Get a pack of 50 from Amazon for $27 (also available in a 100-count). 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). 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 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 $25.99 (available in three sizes and 13 colors). Reviewers swear by these for warts that the duct tape method, freezing, or even professional removal can't keep off. Promising review: "I had a stubborn wart that I had tried to get rid of for years. I was about to give up and go to a doctor when I discovered these. I put them on before bed, and on the last two days, kept them on all day. Today I was filing the wart down (which I did every day with this treatment), and I noticed a crack at the bottom. **Warning! Kinda gross** I was able to pull out the entire wart! I was left with a circular wound on my finger, and I was left holding the wart! I'm so shocked and amazed since it's only been four days! I 100% would recommend this to everyone." —Amazon Customer Get a pack of 14 from Amazon for $7.08. 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 $8.55 (available in two other styles). These are aluminum-free, so they help stop odors, but they don't stop sweat. Promising reviews: "This is my go-to product after the gym. I hate feeling/being sweaty/sticky. And it smells so good." —Amazon Customer "I have always suffered from bad odor on my underarms since I have very delicate skin, so I can't use strongly scented deodorants. I'm always trying out cream deodorant or gels, but it either irritates my skin or it doesn't stop my bad odor. THIS IS THE BEST INVENTION EVER. I LOVE IT! I can't believe that something finally works! My armpits don't smell bad. I can finally move my arms freely. The scent is wonderful; I love the smell, and it's not harsh on my skin. Even after a long day, my underarms are still smelling like coconut." —Vicky Reyes Get a pack of 30 from Amazon for $8.87 (also available in packs of 60 and 120). 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 $18.99+ (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. 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 $13.49+ (available in 14 colors and packs of two). Several reviewers say they just throw theirs right in the washing machine to clean it! They also make a smaller one designed for the bikini area and a long, narrow back scrubber for hard-to-reach areas. Promising review: "If you're trying to find something for body exfoliation...this is it. Just this glove, water, and some time. I soaked in the bathtub for about 10 minutes, then got to exfoliating." —Kari Shawhan Get it from Amazon for $9.34 (available in five colors and as 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 Promising review: "Wet crack lol… You know, you walk, you work, you sweat in stinky areas. For me these canisters are >>>> vs the powders. It’s easy, quick, and works. Is it a fix all? No it’s not. But does it help noticeably? Yes it does. I’ll shower, dry off, then point a lil' spray at my crack. The scent is about as neutral as you’re gonna get or could hope for, it’s not perfume-y or menthol-y, it’s just a slight clean smell. I hold my can upside down and spray without any problems. Am happy I purchased and will purchase again." —Luke Get it from Amazon for $8.73 (available in a pack of three). 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 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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