"Living in the Midwest, I never really feel like I have time to prepare for summer. The weather tends to go straight from blustery cold to scorching hot, with maybe a few scant springy days in between. Warmer temps always seem to sneak up on me, which means my summer shopping is usually done in a rush right before a trip or on the first day I realize it’s too hot for jeans. Last-minute shopping inevitably leads to forgetting something, so I usually spend the rest of the summer realizing at random times that I’m missing this and that.
This summer, however, is going to be different. Between all the summer hobbies, friend hangs, and trips filling up my calendar, the last thing I want to stress about is running low on SPF or realizing on the way out the door that my favorite sandals from last year have seen better days. Thankfully, I thought ahead this season and made a list of all the summer essentials I could possibly need. You bet I’m prepared for every backyard barbecue, beach or pool day, patio happy hour, and every situation in between. Consider this your ultimate summer shopping list:
Summer Beauty Essentials
There’s no doubt your beauty routine changes a bit once warm weather rolls around. We suddenly have to cover our entire bodies in SPF all day long and address awkward problems like boob sweat and thigh chafe. And worst of all, many of us will inevitably have to deal with the aftermath of accidentally getting too much sun. Here’s what you need to get through it all:
This sunscreen from Supergoop is massively popular for a reason. It doubles as a primer under makeup and provides SPF 50 protection without the oily residue or chalky-white finish.
This hydrating sunscreen mist has a permanent spot in my beach bag every summer. Designed for topping up your SPF throughout the day, it goes on clear, dries quickly, and even helps set your makeup. And thanks to the watermelon extract on the ingredient list, it smells way better than your typical sunscreen.
Formulated for melanated skin, this sunscreen goes on sheer and doubles as a moisturizer.
Always make sure to keep your lips protected from the sun, too! Grab a pack of these SPF-infused, fruity-flavored balms to toss in your purse or beach bag this summer.
Grab a bottle of this for those inevitable times when you forget to reapply your SPF. It helps soothe and rehydrate skin after sun exposure, and the spray nozzle makes it way easier to apply than regular aloe gel.
For anyone who deals with razor burn and ingrown hairs post-shaving, this product is going to be a life saver this summer. Glide it onto your bikini line, underarms, or any other area to soothe and prevent irritation.
Between sweating at the gym and laying out at the pool, summer body acne is an unfortunate reality, but this mist makes it a thing of the past.
If you ever deal with your thighs chafing together while wearing shorts or dresses, you’re going to want this portable balm stick in your summer beauty arsenal. It glides on and creates a friction-free barrier that prevents chafe, irritation, and even blisters (no need to break in those new sandals).
Moisturizing is obviously key to recovering from too much sun, but nothing feels better than running an ice roller over sunburnt skin.
Warm-Weather Accessories
No matter what you have planned this summer, you’ll want to be well-equipped in both function and style. There’s always that one bag or storage solution we wish we had (like those wet bags below—genius!), and this summer, we’re finally stocking up on each and every one.
Everyone needs a good straw tote for trips to the beach and farmers market this summer, and this under-$30 option from Amazon does this job in style.
These oval frames look super flattering on all different types of face shapes, so it’s no wonder this style is so popular right now.
Jelly sandals are THE shoe of the summer, and this pair from J.Crew looks way chicer than anything we used to wear as kids.
Never carry around a wet swimsuit with your dry clothes ever again. Throw one of these waterproof bags into your suitcase or beach bag to keep your wet stuff separate.
Whether you wear them as a swimsuit coverup or as part of a laidback happy hour outfit, these boxers might just become your most-worn shorts this summer.
Claw clips are the unsung heroes of sweltering summer days when you thought wearing your hair down was a good idea.
Thanks to this bag’s mesh material, sand will slide right out the bottom and anything wet inside will dry quickly. It even has straps on the outside to hold your towel or beach blanket in place.
This straw bucket hat will keep the sun off your face while doubling as a fun statement accessory.
Wellness Routine Upgrades
Between long weekends away and plenty of patio happy hours, staying healthy during the summer can feel like a challenge. But with a few simple solutions (like the perfect travel workout equipment and our editors’ favorite water bottle), your wellness routine doesn’t have to change.
With a leakproof lid and a double-walled design that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours, this is the perfect water bottle to take with you everywhere this summer.
10+ colors available
These weighted bangles make it easy to turn up the heat on your pilates session or hot girl walk.
10+ colors available
Taking your yoga sessions outside this summer? This strap makes it easy to carry your mat to the park or beach.
10+ colors available
Bloating and discomfort are the last things you want to deal with when you’re trying to enjoy your vacation. Our Wellness Editor Josie swears by these for travel to ease and prevent digestive issues on the go.
If you’re taking your runs outside this summer, this adjustable belt will keep your phone, keys, and other essentials secure and within reach.
Summer Home Items
In the heat of summer, inside with the AC blasting is one of the best places to be. That means your home deserves a little sprucing up for the summertime, whether it’s for function (like an air purifier to combat seasonal allergies) or fashion (these salad bowls that will make you forget Sweetgreen even exists).
Get your bed summer-ready by swapping your sheets for a lightweight linen option. These high-quality linen sheets come in tons of colors and patterns, so you can easily find a set that matches your bedroom setup.
10+ colors available
These wavy throw pillow covers are an easy, affordable way to switch up your decor for the summer and add a pop of color to your sofa.
7 colors available
This salad bowl is the perfect thing to take to backyard cookouts this summer. It comes with serving utensils that fit neatly inside the lid so you can easily take it on the go.
If you plan on hosting any outdoor dinner parties this summer (or just eating a meal on your back patio), this mesh cover will shield your food from bugs and debris until you’re ready to eat.
Why use bug spray when you can keep mosquitos at bay with a pretty candle?
If you struggle with seasonal allergies this time of year, it might be time to invest in an air purifier. This affordable option captures pollen, pollutants, and other allergens in the air and includes a sensor that tells you how clean your air is.
2 colors available
Must-Haves for Outdoor Activities
After a winter of staying indoors practically 24/7, outdoor activities are looking better than ever. But to fully partake, you need the proper gear. Beach and pool days, picnics, park dates, sporting events, maybe an outdoor concert—you might have a lot of events to prepare for this summer, and we found all the basics you need:
Perfect for picnics or days at the beach, this gingham blanket has a waterproof backing and comes with a leather strap for easy carrying.
3 colors available
Whether you’re lugging it to the beach or out to the backyard, this chair’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry. It can even lay out flat if you want to fully recline while soaking up the sun.
9 colors available
Yes, this is an essential! Documenting summer memories is so much more fun with a Polaroid-style camera.
You’ll never have to worry about your drink tipping over in the sand again. These beach cup holders even have an extra compartment to keep your phone or keys sand-free.
We’re not taking any chances this summer. These waterproof pouches will keep your phone protected and even let you take photos underwater. Each one comes with an adjustable lanyard you can wear around your neck, which is handy if you’re worried about dropping your phone while out on the water.
An on-trend pattern turns this summer essential into an accessory in its own right.
5 colors available
Emily Henry’s latest release is the perfect book to pack for your summer travels or read on a picnic blanket in a park.
If you don’t want to risk the pages of your favorite book getting wet or full of sand, a Kindle is the way to go. This model is waterproof (in case of accidental dips in the pool) and has a glare-free display that’s easy to see even in direct sunlight.
Looks like a chic tote but can hold an entire picnic’s worth of snacks and drinks? We’re sold.
These sneakers are lightweight and breathable—perfect for long days spent outdoors.
4 colors available
If you haven’t yet jumped on the pickleball bandwagon, consider this your sign to start. Pick up a set of paddles and find a court near you for a fun, easy-to-pick-up summer activity.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.