Shopping·12 min read

Products Under $25 That’ll Solve All Your Annoying Summer Problems

summer-problems-header
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Amazon
June 23, 2022

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

This post was originally published in June 2021 and has been updated.

Everyone loves to love summer — the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and there are more excuses to spend time outside. What everyone tends to forget about are the tiny annoyances that make the season of beach trips a bit less fun. We’re talking sweat, sunburns, frizzy hair, bug bites, etc.

To help soothe (and prevent) your summer problems this year, we rounded up the best products that’ll hack life for you. (Deodorants that work, oil-blotting sheets for that midday shine, and so much more.) Grab your sunscreen, because you’re not spending a minute more inside.

anti-frizz hair cream
Amazon

A leave-in cream that’ll calm and smooth frizzy hair…

If humidity causes your mane to grow exponentially, listen up. This cream works to keep your locks looking and feeling sleek. The secret is in the patented Alpha Keratin 60ku. The protein binds to hair, filling cracks and crevices. So you can walk outside with confidence. Goodbye, poof. ($21+, Amazon)

Buy it
aluminum-free deodorant
Blume

A natural deodorant that’s unscented and mighty powerful…

It’s got ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and probiotics. It’s also aluminum-free and won’t call for reapplications. It’s safe for all skin types and is a great choice for those with sensitive skin. No more slyly checking your underarms on a sweltering  day. ($14, Blume)

Buy it
drink chiller

A drink chiller so your beverage will always be at the right temperature…

Seriously. It’s got triple-layered, vacuum-insulated technology to keep drinks cold for up to six hours. So just slide yours in and start sipping. The chiller also doubles as a coaster, so when you set your can down, it won’t cause any water rings on furniture. Problem = solved. ($20, S’well)

Buy it
collapsible silicone coffee cup
Amazon

A collapsible silicone coffee cup that’ll make your morning commute much easier…

Hiii subway, it’s been a while. With this on-the-go mug, you’ll be able to drink your cup of java while heading to the office. Once you’re done, you can collapse it down and toss it in your bag. It’s incredibly compact and leakproof too. You won’t have to hog space in your bag or create waste (and that’s pretty cool). ($20, Amazon)

Buy it
liquid ant baits
Amazon

Ant baits for pesky summer creepy crawlers…

With warmer weather brings unfortunate hordes of ants. Especially when you’re hosting a gathering and have food sitting out for a while. Eventually you start to see those infamous little bugs creeping around. These baits to the rescue. But be prepared: they attract ants fast. Once the trap is full, just toss it in the trash. ($11.92/12 pack, Amazon)

Buy it
anti-chafe balm
Amazon

An anti-chafe balm to apply on thighs and feet…

Or really anywhere you feel some uncomfortable friction. (We suggest using it for shoes that can cause blisters.) It’s fragrance-free and non-greasy. It’ll come in handy when you’re out and about and get a bit too sweaty. See ya, painful chafing; hello, sweet relief. ($10.99, Amazon)

Buy it
bug bite suction tool to lessen itchiness
Amazon

A bug bite suction tool if you happen to get bitten while lounging outside...

It works to remove the irritant left underneath your skin that causes itchiness and redness. You’ll be able to stop a reaction in its tracks, leaving the bite visibly smaller. You can even try it on bee and wasp stings. The true MVP of the summer. ($9.95, Amazon)

Buy it
razor bump solution
Amazon

A solution that’ll help razor bumps from shaving…

Bathing suit season is all fun and games until you decide to shave. Razor burn can be really irritating, especially when the weather is hot and you’re sweating. This solution works to calm the skin and reduce redness after waxing and shaving. Psst...we’ve used this solution and find it very effective at reducing visible bumps and ingrown hairs. ($13.59+, Amazon)

Buy it
oil-blotting face sheets
Amazon

Oil-blotting sheets to decrease face shine…

You’ve just applied a full face of makeup and then...you start sweating. That’s where these charcoal sheets come in. They help to absorb excess oil that’s sitting on the skin. They may also help with reducing breakouts, which can be caused by too much oil. Keep ‘em in your purse and watch how often you reach for them (we use them all the time). ($6.95+, Amazon)

Buy it
portable-fan
Amazon

A portable air-conditioner fan that can help you sleep soundly at night…

It can also be used as a humidifier and night-light. It’s got three fan speeds, a timer function, and a water tank that can hold enough ice water for four-to-six hours of working time. Once you fill the tank, you can turn on the machine and have cold air blowing on you (unlike traditional fans that only circulate warm air). Once you use it, you’ll never wanna turn it off. ($39.99, Amazon)

Buy it
mattifying makeup primer
Amazon

And a mattifying makeup primer to help with makeup application…

The antioxidant-rich formula will minimize visible pores for a smooth look all day long. So no matter the weather, your makeup will stay put. You can apply it before putting on foundation, or wear it alone as a skin mattifier. It’s fragrance-free, clear, and can be used on all skin tones and types. ($14.79, Amazon)

Buy it
SPF 30 face sunscreen
Target

A SPF 30 sunscreen to keep you protected all summer long…

We can’t stress this enough: wearing sunscreen every day is a must. Even while indoors (and not just during the summer, btw). This moisturizing one is vegan and cruelty-free. It also dries completely clear so it can be used under makeup. ($15.99, Target)

Buy it
compostable cold cups
Repurpose

Compostable cold cups you can use for your daily iced coffee…

We all know summer is iced coffee season. Instead of using plastic cups that inevitably create waste, turn to these cups. They’re great for backyard barbecues, park picnics, and more. They’ll also break down in a commercial composting facility within 90 to 180 days. Planet Earth thanks you. ($7.99/20 pack, Repurpose)

Buy it
under-the-arm shirt straps
Amazon

An under-the-arm strap solution that’ll keep sleeves in place…

Wearing an off-the-shoulder shirt: cute. Raising your arms only to have the sleeves move: not so cute. To solve this very annoying problem, attach these straps to your shirt. They come in tan, black, and white. If you’re confused on how to attach them, you can watch the short instructional video. They’re adjustable, no-show, and can be washed. Small solutions, we see you. ($14.99, Amazon)

Buy it
plastic clear vaccination card holder
Amazon

A vaccination card holder to keep your most precious item safe…

It’s vax-girl summer. To keep your little piece of paper dirt-free, slip it into a handy holder that’s waterproof and smudge-proof. No dirty fingerprints, no panicking if you happen to spill water while your vaccination card is sitting on the table. Hey, accidents happen. ($5.99+/5 pack, Amazon)

Buy it
ventilated drink covers
Amazon

A ventilated drink cover to keep your glass free from bugs...

No more tiny flies floating in your cocktail. These covers will keep your drink clean from pollen and dust too. Plus, they can double as coasters. Sip at your leisure. ($19.99/4 pack, Amazon)

Buy it
watermelon slicer
Amazon

A slicer that’ll cut watermelon into tiny cubes…

Using a knife to cut a whole watermelon? Kinda scary. That’s where this gadget will come into play. The cyclone blade cuts through the fruit smoothly, creating tiny poppable pieces that will be perfect come snack time. Our mouths are watering already. ($16.97, Amazon)

Buy it
liquid-IV
Amazon

A pack of electrolyte boosters to keep you hydrated…

Whether you overcommitted to rosé season last night or you’ve been hiking in the hot summer sun, it’s good to stash a few of these packets in your bag. The gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free powder (which can be mixed with water) is packed with electrolytes and essential vitamins. Plus, the strawberry flavor is delightful and will quench your thirst right away. Pro tip: drink one before bed after a night out and you’ll wake up with less of a hangover. ($20.89/16 pack, Amazon)

Buy it
face-mist
Amazon

A thermal spring water face mist to refresh your skin…

There’s one thing we know for sure: Face mists are no joke. This one — made with thermal spring water from France — feels like delivering a tall glass of water straight to your skin. We love keeping the travel size in our bag, pulling it out when we’ve been in the sun for too long or if our skin feels a bit dry and irritated. Ah, refreshing. ($9+, Amazon)

Buy it
silk-scrunchies
Amazon

A set of silk scrunchies to keep your hair off your neck…

Warm weather calls for ponytails and slicked-back buns. We don’t make the rules. These skinny silk scrunchies are the best way to put your hair up without any pulling, tugging, tearing, or tangling. Trust us; we’ve tried them. They’re also great for sleeping; you’ll never wake up with a headache. Plus, they come in six colorways like ‘desert rose’ and ‘sweet pea.’ S’cute. ($39/6 pack, Amazon)

Buy it

Live Smarter

Sign up for the Daily Skimm email newsletter. Delivered to your inbox every morning and prepares you for your day in minutes.