We’re in the thick of summer and there’s no sign of these hot temperatures waning. To help you squeeze the most out of the final weeks of the season, we have summer essentials to help you beat the heat and still soak up the sun comfortably.
As a part of our Hot List, Shop TODAY contributor Mahko Ndlovu joins TODAY with a wide list of products to stay cool. We have breezy clothing, bedding with cooling technology and a hack to keep your picnic food chilled. And that’s not all, we’re even cranking up the heat with an exclusive code just for TODAY viewers.
Keep reading to check out everything you’ll need to carry you through the hottest days, from brands like Uniqlo, Old Navy and more.
Hot List summer heat essentials seen on TODAY
Summer is no friend to hot sleepers, that’s why Ndlovu says this cooling blanket is about to be your new summer essential and something you’re going to use every single day. The brand says it’s breathable and lightweight, and helps lowers your body temperature.
“The double-sided cooling fabric stays cool to the touch, so you don’t have to keep searching for the ‘cold side,’” says Ndlovu.
“You know that moment when you’re flipping your pillow over and over trying to find the cool side? This solves that,” explains Ndlovu. “It feels instantly cool when you lay down and helps keep you feeling comfortable all night long.”
According to the brand, it’s designed for every sleep style and allows you to adjust the filling to your firmness preference.
These instant cooling pads from this viral K-beauty brand are perfect for stressed summer skin, post-sun care and puffiness. According to the brand, the pads are infused with a cooling agent, coconut oil and hyaluronic acid to help cool and calm your skin. Just leave a couple of pads on your skin for a few minutes for a mini ice-like facial, suggests Ndlovu.
SharperImage.com Hot Girls Pearls Cooling Bracelets
Whether your exercising or spending time outside, these cooling bracelets are a discreet way to beat the heat. According to the brand, the beads “look and feel like real stone,” and are infused with a cooling gel. Throw them in the freezer before use, and wear them out and go about your daily summer routine.
Plus, TODAY viewers will get a 30% off discount when you use our exclusive code TODAY, now until Aug. 6.
You’ll want this one-and-done outfit in every color, says Ndlovu. The athletic dress has a flattering wrap front skirt and built-in shorts so you feel extra secure. Plus, we love that it comes in inclusive sizing, including options for petite and tall.
Hot List summer heat essentials seen on the 3rd hour of TODAY
“While some might opt for shorter styles in the summer, I’m reaching for long-sleeve linen shorts and pants, like these, that provide protection from sun rays and mosquitos, while still being lightweight and cool,” says Ndlovu.
Uniqlo’s premium linen shirts are made from 100% linen and come in both men and women adult sizes. Ndlovu loves the relaxed fit, which she says pairs perfectly with the brand’s linen-blend easy pants that features a drawstring waist and deep pockets.
Aloha Collection is a brand that people line up for hours for in Hawaii, says Ndlovu. The small pouch was designed for stowing wet swimwear, so you can easily pack it in your tote after a day at the beach. Plus, it can be used as a makeup and toiletry bag, too.
The brand offers a variety of island-themed designs that pairs perfectly with the reversible tote, which basically gives you a two-in-one look. Both items are “splash-proof,” to protect your belongings from the unwanted spills, splashes and even rain.
This new launch from Peter Thomas Roth is a cooling a mist that instantly refreshes and energizes your face. According to the brand, it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, caffeine, tea extracts and a peppermint formula that visibly calms your skin.
Ndlovu calls this a hosting hack that makes a huge difference. “Just keep these cooling mats in the freezer and pull them out when you’re ready to serve charcuterie boards, appetizers or party platters,” she says.
According to the brand, they’re easy to clean and will help keep your food fresh for up to one hour.
These viral candied-grapes are a guilt-free snack, and only 50 calories per pack, says the brand. Made of real fruit with a sugar coating, you just store these in the freezer for a little treat.
More summer heat essentials to shop
Whether you’re feeling puffy or over-heated, this cooling set comes with a gel-filled face mask (that you store in the fridge or freezer), under-eye pads and more to help soothe, depuff and and rejuvenate your skin. The brand says it comes in handy for puffy and tired skin, and even migraines.
Spending time outdoors? The brand says this breathable bandana is activated by water, providing up to 30 degrees of cooling relief.
Whether your under eyes need a boost from lack of sleep or a long travel day, this eye cream is formulated with caffeine and cucumber extract that helps de-puff and moisturize.
Jelly-style shoes have been making a comeback from the ‘90s and this mule option is a great modern take. It’s chic enough for the office and durable enough for a pool day.
Dove’s Whole Body Deodorant has a cooling mist version, offering odor relief and “instant cooling,” which the brand says can help lower the skin’s temperature by 10 degrees.
Meet the expert
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team along with Makho Ndlovu.
- Makho Ndlovu is a Shop TODAY contributor and on-air expert.
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 on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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