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Because the sun, bugs, spring showers, heat, allergies, and more can feel like an onslaught.

As a Deputy Editorial Director for BuzzFeed’s shopping team, I love to get into the weeds of why a product’s worth the money by deep diving into customer reviews, and product-testing as much as possible.

Idk about you, but I'm trying to be outside as much as possible this spring and summer after a pretty harsh winter. But the feeling with Mother Nature may not be mutual. If you feel like the sun rays, bugs, hot spots, and more can zero in on you, this story is for you. 

Consider stocking up on a two-pack of refills for $19.99.

Promising review: "I recently added this plug to my outdoor string lights, and it’s such a simple but great upgrade. It was super easy to install, just plugged right into the lights. We love to host in the summer and frequently grill out and have fires, so having something attached right to the lights to help keep mosquitoes away without having to think about it has been great. Also, love the remote! I like that I can just turn it on when we actually need it and not have it running all the time or feel like it's being wasted when were not out there. Overall, it just makes hanging outside a lot more enjoyable without adding any extra effort." —Piper

Promising review: "I've struggled with frizzy hair for years, but this has been a game-changer for me. A few drops of this lightweight serum applied to damp hair before styling tames frizz instantly, leaving my hair smooth, shiny, and incredibly manageable. The argan oil infusion adds a touch of nourishment and helps to prevent future frizz. I'm so happy I finally found a product that actually works to control my unruly hair!" —Kleo 

Get it from Amazon for $6.97 (also available in larger sizes and multipacks).  

Promising review (for pic on the left): "LOVE this product sooooo much! I’m obsessed! I am of mixed race and have very curly frizzy hair naturally. Even with relaxer my hair has always had dry looking frizzy ends. I have tried so many different products but nothing else compares. Best by far!" —Amazon Customer

Promising review (for pic on the right): "I NEEDED to try this product after all the positive hype. It certainly did live up to my expectations. I went from balayage to a medium brown color with my hair. The bottom part of my hair was still very porous from the bleaching. After blow drying my hair where the blonde was it was never smooth. Not anymore! My hair is so smooth and healthy looking. I absolutely love this product and I highly recommend it. It has completely transformed my hair." —Lori

Get it from Amazon for $14+ (available in two sizes; sulfate-, gluten-, alcohol-, and paraben-free).

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 

Read more about nasal rinses and allergies at Mayo Clinic. 

Promising review: "I seldom write reviews but this nasal spray deserves its five stars. My nose was SO stopped up I couldn’t breathe through it for several days. When this arrived I put it to the test and within 30 seconds I could breathe. Magic! This stuff would be worth $100 a bottle. It really does work. So far I’ve been nasal congestion free for eight hours. If you are looking for a fast remedy don’t hesitate. This stuff is like having a decongestant genie in a bottle, granting your wish to smell the air once more." —Sad Eyes 

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in multipacks). 

I own one of these and it is SO handy for travel, and just to throw in my bag when I know I'm gonna be away from home or my desk all day. 

Promising review: "My husband and I travel a lot and take a number of prescription drugs. It was always a hassle accessing our medication when needed, so I purchased this organizer to make things easier. I used a label maker and labeled each little compartment and it has performed wonderfully. I highly recommend this organizer to anyone who travels and needs medications throughout the day." —Jacqueline

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: "This sunscreen is well worth it. I used it all summer and never got burnt. It lasted tanning, swimming, and walking around outside every day. I would reapply it every hour or so to ensure coverage. It is really lightweight and doesn’t feel like a thick sunscreen. It had a nice, subtle smell that wasn’t overpowering. I am happy I got so many bottles to last the summer, and the slim packaging was nice to take in a bag. I will be getting it again!" —Savannah

Get it from Amazon for $8.88+ (available in multipacks, SPF 100, and SPF 30 versions). 

Bug Bite Thing is a small biz specializing in mosquito- and tick-relief products. 

Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times — so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. It arrived on Monday and on Tuesday morning I woke up with a bug bite on my arm. I used this little tool (3x per the instructions) and documented with photos. Immediately after using, it stopped itching! And less than 24 hours later the bump/bite was gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing but a small price to pay IMO. Bottom line: it’s awesome. I’m carrying it with me everywhere!" —Rebecca

Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in six colors).

Check out a TikTok of the mosquito-repelling bracelets in action. 

Promising review: "I moved last year from Southern California to North Carolina. Bugs of all types have always been attracted to me but the amount 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 un-touched. 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

Promising review: "So I don't really ever write reviews, but I had to for this one! I went camping in Texas in peak mosquito season, and brought this candle with me. I burned it the whole time, and not only does it smell great and have clean ingredients, but I also did not see a SINGLE mosquito the entire time. I did not wear any bug spray. Within a couple of minutes of blowing it out, I began seeing mosquitoes everywhere! So that was proof enough for me that the candle worked." —Jodi

It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.

Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —jlgentr3

Promising review: "This is one of those things that I wish I'd found years earlier. I've suffered from mortifying stress-induced under-boob sweat for most of my adult life. Also, I'm a lifelong Seattle girl who gets upset when it's warmer than 65 degrees outside. So when I stumbled upon this product, I was curious enough to buy a small pack. And yes, I've come back for MORE! For real, I won't put on a bra without one of these liners now. It absorbs all the moisture from heat and stress. And because it's a really soft bamboo/cotton mix, my skin is finally not feeling tortured under there! To the makers of this ingenious life-changing product: thank you thank you thank you! Sincerely, all the grateful ta-tas you've helped to care for" —Niko

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in women's sizes M–XXL and in several color combos). 

Promising review: "Perfect, affordable, useful. Comes in attractive, carrying case. Has a protective sleeve. Opens to a good size." —Holly West

Get it from Amazon for $10.77+ (available in 19 colors). 

Check out a TikTok of the Briotech spray in action. 

Promising review: "This spray is amazing. I had a rash on my face and it disappeared after one use of this spray. I had a stye in my eye and the skin around the eye was irritated. This spray fixed not only the irritation but the stye went away as well. Any sort of blemish or acne is taken care of with this simple inexpensive spray. Great for after-sun care or workout redness. Everyone loves Tower 28's expensive SOS spray. The SOS spray contains hypochlorous acid, which is the exact same ingredient in the Briotech spray for much less money. It’s a miracle worker." —Squid466

Get it from Amazon for $16.49+ (available in four sizes and in multipacks).

After trying what feels like every last lip product with SPF on the market, this is probably the first that made me forget I'm wearing sunscreen. It doesn't have that sunscreen-y taste at ALL! (Psst, AAD Guidelines recommend using sunscreen with at least SPF 30, so this meets that recommendation!)

Promising review: "Used these on a sunburn on my back, and they were very soothing. Also provided padding when leaning back in my seat. I stuck one on my shoulder also to keep my seatbelt from rubbing the sunburn there. I bought them to use on the back of my kids' necks to help prevent heat exhaustion on a very hot day outside but ended up just using them for burn relief." —Joanna

"These saved us on our vacation with our little that is sensitive to sun!" —felicia faith

Get a pack of 20 from Amazon for $14.99. 

Promising review: "I got this for a week-long beach trip, and it did not disappoint. This thing is super easy to put up and has plenty of space for the littles to play in the shade. I didn’t worry even once about the wind snatching this thing up. It was super sturdy with the sandbags filled. 10/10." —Madison H.

Get it from Amazon for $129.95+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

HDE is a small biz specializing in fashion and accessories. 

Promising review: "Loved this swim top. Shorter than most but not too short. Awesome colors, dries quickly, size is accurate. Always excited to wear it." —Julia

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in sizes 1X–3X and 10 patterns/styles).

UV SKINZ is a small biz specializing in beach- and sun-wear.

Promising review: "I used these pants for kayaking, at the beach, and just walking around midday. They are cute, comfortable, dry fast, and keep me cool on hot days. I love the teal color that goes with so many of my fitness tops as well as bathing suit tankinis and sunshirts. Was kind of expensive, but I expect them to last through many summers." —GrannyGear

Get them from Amazon for $65.95+ (available in sizes XS–4XL and eight colors/prints). 

My former colleague Ciera Velarde is also a huge fan! Here's what she has to say: 

"I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!"

Promising review: "Whoooo sometimes I feel as if a fire is going to start between my fat thighs, but with this stuff they just glide right on by each other, it has been a summer lifesaver. Only thing is you have to pack it on and reapply maybe four hours in, so bring it along for the ride. I will be buying again." —Ash

Promising review: "My pool is awesome when it gets into the hundreds of degrees here in California. We decided to grab a 20x20x20 triangle and holy cow does it do a number on the backyard! Not only does it keep my pool better-shaded, but it also keeps the sun off of my back patio during the hottest part of the day." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $26.98+ (available in 6 sizes and 13 colors).

Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action. 

Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun it turns purple. If you use a sunblock it starts to become clear or semi clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times the spot started seeing purple and I applied sunblock again. In a minute the spot was clear again. So this is very effective In alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque

Get two 16-counts from Amazon for $25.99+ (also available as a 48-count). 

Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing thanks to its all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's cruelty-free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.

Promising review: "I’ve been using this creamy SPF daily and it's a game‐changer. It absorbs easily, zero white cast, even with darker tones, and feels more like a moisturizer than heavy sunscreen. Makeup goes on smoothly and without streaks." —Kiki

Get it from Amazon for $10.96 (cruelty-, fragrance-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, silicone- and aluminum-free, and vegan).

It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.7 inches). It also keeps out sand, dirt, and rain. 

Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe. Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck, and so it, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river and I just assumed it would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" —Julie McDonald

Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in 14 colors).

Shakalo is a San Diego-based small business started to figure out a way to help people, especially parents remove sand before leaving the beach. The soft fabric pouch allows the powder to remove the sand without scattering everywhere.

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

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two sizes).

BugMD is a small biz specializling in anti-bug home products. 

This set comes with three devices and nine sticky pads. Each pad lasts about 90 days. 

Promising review (for the pic): "Best product! This is a before-and-after over a one-night period! Highly recommend." —Kim

Promising review: "Works fast! These are great. Nice small container, easy to travel with. Instantly stops the itch. My toddler left it on and didn't scratch at all!" —Ryan Dunn

"Amazing because they work. Maybe it’s a placebo effect, but they work wonders, especially on kiddos. They have no smell. They are very sticky and can last a couple of days on the skin. Decently worth the money, I kept them in my purse all summer long." —Gerardo Thompson

Promising review: "We purchased this for a safari in Africa and it works perfectly. Not a single bug bite in the three weeks we were there!" —Jennifer

"Really WORKS well! Spray is a fine mist that covers well. There is no odor and no sticky-slimy residue on your skin. I spray in the early morning as I head out to pick tomatoes, or weed eat, and I get NO BITES! I may have to repeat late afternoon to maintain the effectiveness, but we can sit on the front porch until and including evening darkness (8–9 p.m. EST) with no critter nibbles. Will reorder to have excess for fall firepit gatherings!!" —James Bricker

Get a three-pack from Amazon for $29.99.

This weatherproof fan has a fully sealed and permanently lubricated industrial motor to protect it against wetness.

Promising review: "Great fan at a good price! I bought this fan for my backyard to help circulate the air in hot days and to help deter mosquitoes at night around the fire pit. This fan worked perfectly. It has three speeds, the highest of which is super strong. The fan at high speed is a bit noisy, but nothing unexpected of a powerful fan. It is also 100% waterproof, which is a must. My only minor issues would be 1) it would be nice if the fan came with a cover for when it’s not used (I bought 20-inch tire storage covers to do the job), and 2) the fan is only adjustable up and down not side to side — if they could make it oscillate that would be great. Having said that, I would recommend this fan for sure and would not hesitate to buy it again." —Bigdad

Get it from Amazon for $119.97+ (available in two sizes).

Promising review: "These are well-made and sturdy. The bonus is that the weather stripping also keeps the tiniest bugs from sliding in between the window frame and the screen. Now this is a quality product!" —Dale C Ludi

Get it from Amazon for $35.89+ (available in three sizes and in packs of 10).

Promising review: "This RHO screen repair tape is fabulous and simple to use! Just cut to size, pull off the clear protective film, and press onto the tear or hole in your screen. That's it! There are 15 feet on a roll and it couldn't be easier. I've patched my screened porch now in five to six spots and while the tape is visible, it prevents bugs from crawling through, which was my goal. If you don't have the time, money, or inclination to completely replace a screen, this is the perfect solution...and the fastest! Will buy again in a heartbeat if I run out of this roll." —sallywally

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in two colors).

Promising review: "I wasn’t expecting these to work that well, honestly, but they are great! They are easy to apply, and they come off, leaving no residue at all. I use them on my kitchen window and garage door to enter the house. Other sticky fly traps haven’t worked for me, but these get the job done." —Audrey

This fits umbrellas as large as 10 feet. Also, check out a net option for umbrellas up to 15 feet wide.

Promising review: "Overall, very sturdy once you put the water on the bottom, you can fit it to your base size. It protects the whole seating area wonderfully, definitely worth the money. The size is perfect, easy installation." —Christian Delvento

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (also available with built-in lights).

Promising review: "It zapped all kinds of bugs, which made it so much easier to play around the pool and the yard in the evenings, especially when friends and family were over. I highly recommend it." —Donna 

It's made to repel flies, mosquitoes, nonbiting gnats, small flying moths, wasps, and multi-colored Asian lady beetles.

Promising review: "I was trying to do work on the part of our property that backs up to the woods, but because of all the rain we had in the spring, the mosquitoes were out of control. They made me completely crazy, and I had to give up. I ordered this to give me some relief, and it worked great. I sprayed the trees, bushes, and grass around my work area, and I had absolutely no problems after that. I can't say how long it lasted, because I was out there for only about an hour. Definitely would buy again." —JRNJ

"This is THE BEST for flies and mosquitoes. It allows you to be outside and away from the bugs!! It lasted about 6 hours." —Sarah

Do not apply to gear or clothes made of rayon, spandex, or synthetic materials other than nylon. 

Promising review: "My son and I get eaten alive by the mosquitoes. This is one of the sprays that work." —Lauren Paull

Get it from Amazon for $6.49+ (available in two sizes).

My Critter Catcher is a small biz ensuring you have an easy and non-toxic way to rid your home of pests.

Promising review: "I love this thing. I live in a forest area and we got some mammoth spiders who like to come inside, especially in the fall. I've caught tons of those critters with this catcher. Sometimes it takes a minute and they escape, depending on the spider, but I have usually triumphed and escorted their little butts right out the door. It's also good for catching those big mosquitos. Highly recommend!" —Maggie T

Get it from on Amazon for $26.95 (also available in pink and camo).

Reviewers love these for running, hiking, biking, running errands, doing yoga, and traveling, among other uses! 

Promising review: "These shorts are fantastic! The fabric is wonderful: it wicks away sweat, yet it is dense enough to provide complete coverage. The crotch has a gusset, so no 'camel toe.' The length prevents thigh chafing during intense workouts. I love the colors, too. The pockets are well stitched and secured, plus they are roomy enough for my cellphone with its OtterBox protection." —Amazon Customer

Get them from Amazon for $19.99 (available in three inseams, women's sizes XS–3XL, and 33 colors). 

Promising review: "These are perfect for under dresses, even in the hot, humid summer. The pocket is perfect to slip my phone in so I can be hands-free. Great quality! I have two pairs, one black and one beige." —Amanda Martinez

Get them from Thigh Society for $26.40+ (available in women's sizes XS–2XL, three lengths, and in 12 colors). 

Note that eye drops can potentially mask symptoms of eye conditions, so you should talk to your eye doctor about what's right for you. And according to Mayo Clinic, you should avoid redness-reducing drops if you're looking for dry eye relief.

Promising review: "I have a big spot of blood vessels in the inner corner of my left eye. I use the expensive lubricant eye drops for moisture — I've used Visine, Clear Eyes, you name it. No eye drop has made my eyes look this great. Only Lumify! I was soo happy when I looked in the mirror and saw some beauty in my eyes instead of darkness and redness." —Angela Leonard

"Two drops in your eyes and all day, they look perfectly white and healthy. I would definitely buy these again." —Kelley

One size fits all, and according to reviewers, it can fit up to size 5X. 

Promising review: "Perfect for theme park visits! The zip front is an excellent feature, so you're not having to peel off a wet raincoat when it stops raining. The pocket is great to keep your phone and the carry pouch for the poncho in. The hood is also nice and roomy to cover Minnie's ears, but also has a nice elastic drawstring. Best pre-vacay purchase!!" —Natalie

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in 31 colors).

Check out a TikTok of the portable fan in action. 

I own this and use it ALL the time. It comes in handy in a variety of situations at home *and* while traveling — especially when you're sitting in a stuffy plane in Miami in July with the doors open, waiting for the pilot to board and take off. I def got some jealous side-eyes from other passengers as I kept myself cool with this. 

Get it from Amazon for $14.39+ (available in four colors). 

Read more about lidocaine and pain relief at Cleveland Clinic. 

Promising review: "I brought this with me on a cruise, and I’m so glad I did! After a little too much sun on the deck, this spray was a total lifesaver. It provided instant cooling relief and took the sting out of my sunburn right away. The spray made it easy to apply without having to rub it in — perfect for those sensitive areas. The aloe was super soothing, and the lidocaine helped calm the burn fast. It absorbed quickly and didn’t leave any sticky feeling behind. Definitely a must-have for any sunny vacation or cruise — I'll never travel without it again!" —Barbara

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.