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Because being overprepared is always better than being mildly inconvenienced.

I'm a seasoned Shopping Editor with more than 10 years of experience covering travel (my favorite), home decor, fashion, and pet products.

The best summer essentials are the ones you can toss in your purse and completely forget about — until you suddenly really need them. Ahead, you'll find a bunch of small but useful products that'll help you stay cool, comfortable, protected, and prepared no matter where the day takes you.

Check out a TikTok of the Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar in action. 

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: "NO WHITE CAST! I've been looking for a stick sunscreen and this was just exactly what was needed!! I'm a medium-toned Black woman and looking for something without a white cast is always a challenge. I have applied it on my bare skin and there isn't a white cast at all! It's a 'soft matte' finish, for sure, and looks like natural skin. Like you're not wearing anything at all." —Martina

Get it from Amazon for $16.24 (also available in a pack of two).

Dae is a small business that specializes in haircare and styling products. 

Check out a TikTok of the taming wand in action. 

(It goes without saying that you don't need to lay your edges if you don't want to, but this is a handy option if you do.) 

Promising review: "I’ve tried numerous products for taming baby hairs, especially post-partum, and this is hands down the best thing I’ve tried. It also smells incredible! Love the size of the styling wand!" —Completely happy customer! 

"LOVE!!! It doesn't make hair greasy, it gets rid of my super frizzy hair, and smooths it down. Easily applied and the applicator is super functional. I love and will definitely buy again for the price! Super good look to it." —Devon Reid

Promising review: "These earbuds are fantastic! I have purchased them about four or five times. Every time I lose one, I buy another set. The sound quality is great, and the noise cancellation works really well, which is perfect for my commute. I love that they're waterproof too. The battery life is amazing, and the charging case is super convenient. It fits perfectly in my ear; the size is not too big or small." —Marouka

Get them from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in seven colors).

Promising review: "I absolutely love these sunglasses! They suit my face beautifully and elevate any look with their stylish design. The gold details on the sides are such a stunning touch — reminiscent of high-end Miu Miu sunglasses but at a fraction of the cost. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and feel durable. I’ve received so many compliments already. Highly recommend these for anyone looking to add a chic accessory to their collection!" —Arsalan sheikh

Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in five styles and two packs). 

Promising review: "Just got this today and I love it! I needed something that would keep my hair up, but not pull and not pull it out when I removed it, as well as something that was comfortable and safe to wear while driving. I haven’t driven with it in yet, BUT I am lying in my bed, on my iPad with my head in the pillow and am very comfortable. My new holy grail for putting my hair up. Could not be happier! My hair is long, and of moderate thickness, and it holds beautifully." —Kimberly A. 

Get it from Amazon for $6.79+ (available in three sizes and colors).

Here's what BuzzFeeder Emma Lord has to say:

"I love love love this lip balm. I compare it to the $24 version from Summer Fridays, which I've been splurging on — I love that brand because it lasts so long and is so high quality, but this $4 E.l.f. version feels comparable and, more excitingly, comes in smaller versions so I can stock my totes and bathroom with them whether I'm at home or on the go. It's hydrating, lightweight, doesn't get sticky, and adds a perfect ~subtle~ gloss whether I'm using it alone or on top of a lip color. I love the vanilla flavor so much, it's got a similar vibe to the birthday cake flavor that Glossier sometimes carries."

Promising review: "I have one in my car, one in my purse, and one at home. These just feel so good on your lips! The flavors are very true to their name. They are pretty small, though, so if you use them often, they won’t last long (which is another reason I have three of them), but for $4 each, it is worth it. I sometimes like using this before putting on the E.l.f. Lip Reviver Oil. Such a great base to an awesome lip oil!" —Jax

Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five flavors). 

Check out a TikTok of the nausea relief inhaler in action. PS: Allclair is a small biz!

Promising review: "Took this on my first cruise. Anytime that I started to feel woozy, I’d reach for it. I’m sure the required act of deep breathing helped a lot — and breathing in the fragrance of the essential oil is very calming and effective. Worked for me! Wonderful!" —Willy&Lilly

Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.99 (also available in a pack of four). 

Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action. 

Promising review: "Our vacation planner suggested getting something like this for when you're waiting in line at an amusement park when the sun is out. Best advice ever, used this when we were at Disney this past year. It's lightweight and doesn't weigh you down. The fan has adjustable speeds and also includes a phone charger via USB-A port, and a flashlight function. Love that it folds up nice and small, great fan that I'd recommend to anyone!" —Andrew

Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in three colors). 

Promising review: "I absolutely love this spray hand sanitizer! It’s super convenient to carry in my purse and sprays on easily without feeling sticky. The formula dries quickly, leaving my hands feeling clean and refreshed with a light, pleasant scent. It’s perfect for on-the-go use, especially when soap and water aren’t available. Plus, it doesn’t dry out my skin like some sanitizers do, which is a huge bonus. If you want a reliable, easy-to-use hand sanitizer that keeps your hands fresh and germ-free, this is hands down my favorite!" —Sarah Sykes

Get the set of three from Amazon for $30 (available in various scent combinations; also available in packs of five).

Check out a TikTok of the hair ties in action. 

Promising review: "I love these! These add the cutest touch to any outfit. They make you feel better about wearing a hair tie on your wrist. And they function great as both a hair tie and a bracelet! Not too tight to wear as either. Love them!" —Tiara Scheurell 

Get a set of 20 from Amazon for $7.99 (available in nine styles). 

Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action. 

Promising review: "Best purchase ever. You can fit it in the back of your pocket! I recommend just the normal Kindle because it’s 6”. I can fit it in my purse and in a lot of small places, so I can take it everywhere. Makes commuting so much better. I recommend getting a case. I got one, but my friend didn’t and scratched hers up quickly. Also, splurge on no ads." —Jordan Parnell 

Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in black and matcha, and with or without an ad lock screen). 

Promising review: "I moved last year from Southern California to North Carolina. Bugs of all types have always been attracted to me, but the number of bites I got last summer was WILD. Someone gave me one of these types of bracelets to use one day, and it seemed to work SOOOOOO I decided to buy myself an arsenal to prepare for this summer. I read the reviews, and about 99% of them had great results. I've only used this bracelet twice, but both times I was outside and untouched. Delivery was very quick, so that was a plus. I'm not fond of the smell, I'm hyper sensitive to smells, but I'd rather have the odor than being chewed alive." —Tracey Agopian

Check out a TikTok of the anti-blister balm in action! PS: It comes from small biz BodyGlide. 

Promising review: "This foot balm is wonderful!! I have had foot problems for as long as I can remember. I often get blisters on my feet, and nothing I tried helped. This product does exactly what I hoped it would. I can walk long distances or stand for hours without pain or blisters. Don't hesitate to give it a try if you have problems with your feet." —Mee

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in packs of two).

Promising review: "These are maybe the best bandages I've ever used on my blisters. They are discreet and stay on your feet forever! I had the two largest blisters I've ever had on my heels from new shoes, ordered these and put them on, and was able to do intense workouts the next day and didn't feel a thing. Will be buying these for each purse I own!!" —Renee

Get them from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in styles for toes, heels, and spots, or in a combination pack).  

The powder-based dry shampoo works just like spray formulas — apply to the area you're looking to refresh and then shake out excess powder with your fingertips or a brush. The OG formula is suitable for all hair types, but there are also options specifically for blonde, brown, and black hair. 

Promising review: "This stuff is my new holy grail. I have very fine and very oily hair. I used to wash it daily, but after getting a shag haircut, I moved to every other day with lots of dry shampoo in between. I will never go back to aerosol dry shampoo again. I have used Batiste for many years, but the smell and residue are too much. Application is super easy (it doesn’t get EVERYWHERE!), you only need a small amount, and there is no smell. This product will make your hair feel very textured, though, like a texturizing powder, I prefer that with my fine and too-silky hair. Love this stuff!! Wish the bottle was bigger though!" —Jessica

Get it from Amazon for $11.70+ (available in five colors). 

Apply it every seven days! This is STRONG, so if you have sensitive skin, the manufacturer suggests you do a spot test first.

Promising review: "For anyone who might be skeptical, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be 9 degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sports coat before noon. Enter the Sweat Block product. I've had it for three weeks, and it is life-changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat. I was sweating through my shirt on my back — BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" —Frosty McGee

Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $19.97.

Psst — they're also gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free! And certain flavors — like Cherry Ring Pop — are even sugar-free!

FYI, depending on your situation, water may be enough to rehydrate you! Read more about electrolyte-enhanced drinks and hydration at Cleveland Clinic. 

Promising review: "Liquid I.V. is amazing! It really has made my daily life 100% better. I constantly have to give blood samples every day, and not just a little, like at least 100cc every day, and when you're dehydrated, it makes this very difficult. And I really just don't have the time to drink water as I should. But with Liquid I.V., I can use 3 packets a day, and my blood will flow like a river. My veins thank you. So, thank you, Liquid I.V., for literally making my quality of life so much better." —wendy griggers

Get a 16-pack from Amazon for $23.46+ (see all flavors here). 

Promising review: "I moved to the city a few months ago and have since had some uncomfortable encounters with men. I didn't want to carry any type of self-protection that could potentially get me kicked out of somewhere (like if they did a bag search at a museum or something and found my pepper spray), so I now carry my Birdie on my keychain all the time. I feel so much safer and more comfortable walking on my own. This thing is LOUD and would definitely draw tons of attention. It doesn't come out super easily (I was worried it might accidentally go off in my purse), but it is easy enough to use. I 100% recommend!!!" —Heidi Wilson

Get it from Amazon for $27.95+ (available in seven colors). 

The waterproof patches last 12 hours or through six applications of sunscreen — whichever comes first. When purple, it's time to reapply, and when clear, you're good to go! 

Promising review: "I am very sensitive to UV rays, and I burn very easily. Discovering these UV stickers was the best thing that ever happened to my vacations. They take the guesswork out of knowing when to reapply your sunblock, helping you stay burn-free without watching the clock and doing math. These work with both lotion and spray-on sunscreen. One sticker works all day long and doesn't come off while you are out having fun." —Rachel W. 

Get them from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in packs of 16, 32, and 48).

Megababe is a woman-owned small business from entrepreneur, body acceptance advocate, and influencer Katie Sturino. 

Promising review: "A must-have for summer. Any thicc thigh folks will know that the summer can be tough. I saw this on TikTok and gave it a shot. It's perfect with shorts or a dress on the inner thighs. I've heard of people with other bodily chafing issues using it on those parts of their body with success." —Faith

Get it from Megababe on Amazon for $13.95. 

Once it loses its stickiness, just wash it off with water, and it'll be good to go again! Check it out on TikTok. 

Promising review: "Best invention! I purchased it after seeing it in a TikTok video, and it works soooo well in my purse." —Wenhether

Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in five colors). 

BuzzFeed editor Elizabeth Lilly put these to the test as a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding:

"When my friend asked me to be a bridesmaid, and I learned I'd be walking on grass for the ceremony, I got a bit worried. What's a klutz with a high center of gravity to do while trying not to 1) fall down in front of approximately 150 guests or 2) keel over while quietly stifling tears during her friends' vows? Buy some Heel Stoppers, that's what! I was able to easily slip them onto the glitter-encrusted heels (and later remove them with no damage to the heels).

On the day of the ceremony, these sturdy pieces of plastic made the heels much easier to walk in and prevented me from aerating the lawn. My feet still hurt to high heavens because those gorgeous shoes don't have a lot of support for a seldom stiletto-wearer like me. Out of all the dough I spent on my bridesmaid ensemble, these were the biggest bang for my buck!"

Get a pair on Amazon for $12.99 (available in four sizes).

In case you're wondering — no, the volcanic roller doesn't mess up your makeup. And once you've given your face a quick touch-up, just twist off the top of the roller to release the stone and give it a wash before your next use.

Promising review: "This rolling device is like pure magic. You simply roll it around your oily areas and BOOM, the oil magically vanishes into the ball, never to be seen again! This is an item that #tiktokmademebuy for sure! I saw a video on TikTok and immediately went on the hunt, only to be disappointed that this item was sold out everywhere! I eventually got added to a waiting list here on Amazon, and once they had it in stock again, they charged my card and sent it my way! If you have the chance to purchase this and you have oily skin, get yourself on the waiting list if you need to, and just kick it until it shows up. You will be pleased. Thank me later. ;)" —Veronica Cooper

Promising review: "This gel is a lifesaver for me. It's a lightweight, cool, soothing gel that moistens my nasal passages at night, allowing me to get restful sleep. It was recommended to me by my allergy doctor. I use it every night without fail. Try it and see!" —Jeanie 

The Ring Thing comes from BringThings, Inc., a woman-owned company dedicated to making "stylish, functional products." They donate a portion of each sale to anti-human-trafficking nonprofits.

Promising review: "Actually might be the best thing I’ve bought ever. Very sturdy, comes with a cute little rope to attach to your bag, and has different plastic pieces to separate your rings so they don’t touch. Also, just extremely durable, literally love this product and we recommend it to many people who love jewelry." —Natalie Kelley

Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in 12 colors).

They're available in four delightful scents:

*Bebe Bunny: top notes of bergamot and orange, middle notes of rose and orchid, and bottom notes of musk and vanilla

*Juicy Bunny: top notes of bergamot and lemon, middle notes of freesia and white rose, bottom notes of musk and sandalwood

*Bloom Bunny: top note of lemon, middle notes of jasmine and rose, bottom notes of amber and musk

*Cutie Bunny: top note of citrus, middle notes of sandalwood, bottom notes of jasmine

Promising review: "Perfect and super cute, as a receptionist, I’m running everywhere all day, and this cute little bunny keeps me smelling great. It’s easy to apply and is nice and light, so the scent isn’t overbearing like some perfumes. It fits right in my purse and I take it everywhere!" —Aspen Trumps

Get it from Amazon for $14.40+ (available in four scents and individually or as a set).

Promising review: "I never usually write reviews, but this is an exception. I've had my AirPods for over a year, and when the sound quality was diminishing, I was afraid they had a short life expectancy, and I would need to get a new pair! Even after using cotton buds to clean the AirPods out, I thought that was enough until my friend said there's stuff built up that's hard to see, but nothing was able to get it out! Enter this product — it literally took five minutes to clean each earbud effectively, and instantly the sound quality was as good as new! Loud, clear, less trouble connecting to my phone, etc. I really suggest giving this product a try. SO happy I found a solution!" —Amazon Customer 

I have been doing my own Gel-X nails at home for a few years, so I've gradually been building up my supplies, and these were one of my latest purchases. I was a little skeptical when I first pulled them out of the packaging because they're really smooth, but don't let that fool you! They work just as well as a regular file, are super sturdy, and the best part is that they last foreverrrrr. When you're done shaping your nails, you just rinse them off, dry them, and store them back in their protective case. 

Promising review: "I love these a lot. I notice how much healthier my nails are. They don't break as easily anymore, they are strong, healthy and grow fast. They're really easy to use and to hold and they've has lasted me for many, many months." —Emily

Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.72 (available in two color combinations). 

The steel straw has a silicone mouthpiece and a convenient carrying case with a loop so you can pop it in your purse or on your key ring. 

Promising review: "I live in NJ, and last year the state limited the use of plastic straws in restaurants, so often our only option is paper straws. I personally dislike the strange taste of paper straws and notice they tend to ruin any carbonation in a drink, so I bought this so I wouldn't have to use those. I keep it clipped onto my bag in its little case so I always have it with me, and it's easy to wash once I get home. Highly recommend to fellow paper straw haters." —Jordan

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in four 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 in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.