The summer welcomes travel plans, sunny days and breezy attire. But it also brings heat, sticky sand and other daily inconveniences.
While these are common during the warmer months, they shouldn’t get in the way of your plans. In this edition of our Hot List series, Shop TODAY contributor Melissa Garcia stopped by TODAY to share some of her favorite summertime problem-solving products for everyone — that way, you can enjoy the beach and warm weather without worrying about outside stressors.
Keep reading to discover the best Hot List summer essentials to solve your seasonal woes, from one-and-done outfits and lightweight makeup to a sand-removing bag and stretching food storage lids.
Hot List summer problem-solvers seen on TODAY
These magnetic claw clips “break” in half to easily secure hairstyles — no slipping, no tugging either. Our team also claims you can lie down and sit back comfortably with these on, compared to traditional claw clips.
This viral food processor doesn’t require many steps to use. Just pop your food inside, pull the cord, and the device will quickly chop food in seconds. Whether you’re prepping vegetables for a salad, fruit for snacks, or whipping up salsa, it helps cut your prep time significantly — and no chopping is needed!
If you’re hosting BBQs or outdoor cookouts this summer, use these reusable silicone lids to quickly secure leftovers. They come in four sizes that can stretch over cans, mixing bowls and more.
“As a stylist, I always encourage women to have a jumpsuit they love because it makes getting dressed so easy,” recommends Garcia. “It’s an entire styled outfit waiting. All you’re doing is picking your shoes/accessories and you’re done.”
The skin care-makeup hybrid has been all the buzz lately, partly for its coverage and performance. Clinique recently launched its own version of the trend: a silky sheer balm formulated for sensitive skin that evens skin tone and reduces redness and texture.
“If you struggle with redness or find traditional foundation feels heavy, you will love this because it gives you coverage while helping skin look and feel calmer,” raves Garcia. “When I tried this, I found it blurs and evens skin tone, but looks and feels incredibly natural.”
Hot List summer problem-solvers seen on the 3rd hour of TODAY
With a summer packed with concerts and major sporting events, many venues require clear bags to enter. The pick above is stylish and practical for storing vital essentials, including your phone, wallet and tickets.
“Now here’s a real summer problem. If you’ve ever come home from the beach and found sand all over your car, your house, your towels, and somehow still on your kids days later, this solves that problem,” says Garcia. “Simply brush this little bag over your skin, and it removes both wet and dry sand in seconds,” she continues, with no rinsing required.
“This is exactly the kind of dress I reach for during the summer,” boasts Garcia. “It’s a cotton-linen blend, so it’s lightweight, breathable, and barely feels like you’re wearing anything on those really hot days ... it doesn’t cling and is incredibly forgiving, which us women appreciate in the summer.”
For kicking your feet up or lying face down to get a quick tan, this 3-in-1 lounge chair can be adjusted in multiple ways for a comfortable sit or lie on the beach. Plus, Garcia says it is lightweight enough to tow to the beach, thanks to its adjustable shoulder straps.
“If you wear sunglasses, prescription glasses [or] swim goggles, fogged lenses can be incredibly frustrating in the summer,” explains Garcia. “This is a spray that creates an invisible anti-fog barrier that keeps lenses clear and fog-free in hot, humid conditions. A little goes a long way, so one bottle lasts much longer than you might expect.”
Bombas flip-flops
The sock and slipper brand, approved by Shop TODAY editors, just launched a line of flip-flops. They’re available in sizes for men and women, offering arch support and EVA cushioning for a smooth, comfortable and lightweight feel.
More summer problem solvers to shop
From soothing chafing to softening rough elbows, the Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick can be used head to toe to treat common summer beauty problems. The stick contains Petrolatum, avocado oil, and shea butter to leave skin moisturized and protected.
If you’re planning to travel abroad this summer, then you’ll need a plug adapter to connect your devices. Instead of purchasing multiple, the power adapter above can be used in 150 countries: North/South America, the EU, the UK and Australia, according to the brand.
This “blotting” spray is a new launch for the viral brand One/Size. Working like a setting spray, mist over your face (with makeup, too) to help reduce shine and absorb oil.
Achy back from sitting at a desk or a long car ride? This innovative seat cushion inflates to help relieve back pain caused by most types of seats — and it won’t go flat.
For touch-ups on the go, the Megababe Quick Shave Stick can be used to shave anywhere — no water or sink required.
Whether lounging by the pool or heading out on your morning commute, this breezy handheld fan will come in handy for warm summer days.
Detox your hair from the pool with these chlorine-neutralizing hair crystals, which gently remove minerals and salts that might affect hair color and manageability.
Similar to a cooling towel, this Lululemon cooling neck wrap provides relief on hot runs, walks and outdoor adventures. Hidden in the wrap is a pleated pocket to store ice. But don’t fret: According to the brand, the cotton jersey fabric helps slow ice melting and absorb any excess water.
Meet the experts
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest trends, remarkable sales events, and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team, along with Melissa Garcia.
- Melissa Garcia is a Shop TODAY lifestyle and fashion contributor. She has experience working on national brand campaigns, appearing on major television broadcasts, and hosting fashion events for commerce destinations. With a relatable approach and her own eye-catching personal style, Garcia has become a go-to fashion resource in American media.
- Shop TODAY is a team of shopping editors and writers who spend hours every day finding the best new products, tried-and-true favorites, and more finds that are worth shopping, according to our high standards.
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How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting, and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are seeking the latest products to enhance their lives. Items are sold by retailers, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
