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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.

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. ($22.00, Amazon)

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)

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)

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)

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. ($10.88, Amazon)

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. ($19.99+, Amazon)

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. ($12.49, Amazon)

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. ($29.99, Amazon)

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). ($9.99, Amazon)

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)

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. ($17.59, Amazon)

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)

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)

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)

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, Amazon)

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. ($23.99, Amazon)

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)

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. ($23.46, Amazon)

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. ($10.00, Amazon)

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)
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