We're officially in summer mode — and the high temperatures are certainly a reminder of it!
In order to keep cool, we need more than just our air conditioners. Luckily, we here at Shop TODAY have tried hundreds of products over the years for our Beauty and Travel Gear Awards that are helpful for getting through this time of the year. From frizz-proof hairsprays to makeup with SPF protection to clothing that will also provide some protection from UV rays while you travel, these editor-tested picks are perfect for sweltering summer days (and beyond).
We've tried everything from beach-proof swimsuits to waterproof beauty favorites. Keep reading to see and shop our award-winning picks for 2024.
Beauty products for summer | Clothing and travel products for summer
Beauty products for hot summer days
Best sunscreens
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50
This pick comes recommended by editor Amanda Fama, who uses it daily.
“This has become part of my daily skin care routine, whether I’m inside in front of my computer all day or going for a run in the park," Fama says.
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30+
This sunscreen earned applause from one TODAY editor for its non-greasy feel.
"It went on like a gentle lotion," says editor Maddie Ellis. "It definitely still has that sunscreen-y smell, but it lasted long, offered protection and didn’t make my body and face feel oily."
Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen
Need a budget-friendly sunscreen that won't leave you with a white cast? Testers liked this pick for its tint, which TODAY producer Kayiu Wong says "vanishes effortlessly and it mattifies my skin, which I appreciate as someone who usually has some shine on my T-zone and forehead."
"The mattifying also helps prep my skin for foundation, so I like that added bonus," she added.
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Oil
Prefer SPF that does double-duty? This body oil will not only provide protection against UVA and UVB rays, says the brand, but it will also leave you with a subtle glow.
Production coordinator Isy Tocci took a trip to San Diego and said it left her “sunburn-free” while helping her skin look gorgeous.
Banana Boat Light as Air Face Sunscreen Lotion
Editors found that they could rely on this drugstore staple for cast-free SPF protection. One tester said that "a little bit goes a long way" with this lightweight formula.
Best serum
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Bi-Phase Serum
"Love this serum. It made my face look very silky and smooth," said Jody Ricevuto, mom of Shop TODAY editor Julie Ricevuto.
It's formulated with holy basil and elderflower, which the brand says help minimize early signs of aging and hydrate the skin, respectively.
"It also seemed to make me look more awake so I think it was tightening my skin," Ricevuto added.
Best body scrubs
KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
If you struggle with keratosis pilaris, consider this scented scrub, which our editors say is perfect for this time of year.
"It contains a blend of chemical and physical exfoliants designed to deliver super soft and smooth skin, and I can confirm it’s one of the only products I’ve tried that genuinely keeps ingrown hairs and KP at bay," says production coordinator Audrey Ekman.
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub
Whether you need to prep your skin before applying self-tanner or just want to slough off dead skin as part of your shower routine, this affordable scrub can help get the job done.
"I love this scrub. It’s coarser than other ones I’ve tried — a good thing — so it’s a great exfoliant," says senior editor Rheana Murray. "I also appreciated that it didn’t make my shower floor too slippery, which is an issue I’ve had with scrubs in the past," she added.
Best self-tanners
St. Moriz Professional 1-Hour Fast Tan Mousse
Trying to avoid staying out in the sun? Our editors loved the results this formula delivered in a pinch.
"This self-tan is definitely one of the easiest mousses to apply. It’s not sticky at all and the guide color actually looks nice — without any crazy green/orange/purple undertones," says associate partnerships editor Lauren Witonsky. "I actually reached for this tan over my other favorites for an upcoming trip!" she added.
Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun Body Mousse
This self-tanner also earned high marks for its price point and easy application.
Zabloudil says it dried "in about a minute" and after showering, she was left with a "natural-looking tan — not streaky or orange at all." Plus, it didn't leave her feeling dry or itchy, she added.
Best moisturizers and toners
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Angela Lamb recently told the co-hosts of the 3rd hour of TODAY that you need to use “quite a bit of moisturizer” in the summer months to keep a healthy skin barrier.
Editors loved this 2024 moisturizer for its lightweight feel and ability to add hydrate skin.
After using it, senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil says her “combination skin feels hydrated but not oily, and has a subtle glow and brightness both with and without makeup.”
Thayers Hydrating Milky Face Toner
Toners can help moisturize and protect the skin, according to dermatologists we previously spoke with. Partnerships Success Senior Associate Klay Drageset says she particularly liked the consistency of this toner.
“Other toners I’ve used are more watery and this is more creamy which feels much more hydrating,” she said. “It’s also very lightweight but still feels like it’s working.”
Best hair products
Color Wow Money Mist
From anti-frizz sprays to volumizing formulas, we've tried and loved a number of picks from Color Wow over the years. However, the Money Mist particularly impressed testers this year, including editor Rebecca Brown, who said she used it as both a leave-in conditioner and a stying spray when she needed to "zhush up my hair every morning."
Marc Anthony Grow Long Biotin Leave In Conditioner Spray
If you're looking for a budget-friendly leave-in, this drugstore find just might fit the bill. The brand says it helps reduce split ends and hydrate hair, but one reviewer also noticed it helped detangle her hair, too.
"It feels so nice and makes it so easy to brush through my curls," she said. "I love this product!"
Hairitage Play It Cool Argan Oil Heat Protectant Spray
This under-$10 option boasts a clean fragrance and provides heat protection up to 450 degrees, according to the brand. It's suitable for all hair types and textures and should be used before you use hot tools on your hair.
Moroccanoil Perfect Defense Heat Protectant
You might know this brand for its popular hair oil, but we think you should know about its heat protectant, too. Editor Becca Wood says it provides ample heat protection but still has a lightweight feel.
"With some protectants, I don’t feel they allow the heat to work as well, but that’s not the case here," she added.
Got 2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray
If slicked-back styling is your go-to, look no further than this hairspray that Tocci says "really does FREEZE!" but didn't leave her feeling like she had a total "helmet head."
With a level 4 hold, the brand says this spray can be used to "spike, cement & finish" your hair until your next shampoo.
Garnier Fructis Style Full Control Anti-Humidity Hairspray
This anti-humidity hairspray is a tried-and-true drugstore staple. Writer Danielle Murphy has relied on the affordable formula for years.
"It hold my hairstyles well. Just make sure not to spray too much or it will create a stiffness in your hair," she says.
Best waterproof makeup products
Maybelline Tattoo Studio Gel Pencil Waterproof Gel Liner
When the temperatures soar, the last thing anyone wants is melted makeup. This gel eyeliner is formulated to last for 36 hours, per the brand, and is waterproof, smudge-resistant and fade-resistant. Plus, it comes in 14 different colors.
Julep 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick
Complete your eye look with this creme to powder eyeshadow that comes in — wait for it — 53 different shades. The brand says a brush is not required for application, so you can just roll it on and head out the door.
One staffer dubbed it "incredibly easy to use" and called out that it also lasted all day.
Best makeup with SPF
Perbelle Cosmetics Skin Tone Adjusting CC Cream SPF 43
If you're tired of ordering several different shades of foundation to get you through the season, this CC Cream should alleviate you of shade-matching struggles. The brand says the unique pigments and polymers in the formula automatically blend upon application, so it automatically adjusts to your skin tone.
"I love this so much I have already bought two more just so I don’t ever run out of it. This is a perfect foundation, moisturizer and sunscreen all in one," raves Rebecca Dube, head of TODAY Parents.
"AND there is no color matching — it comes out of the tube white and magically matches your skin tone. Honestly I don’t know what sort of witchcraft makes this work but it works SO well. When I take it off it’s the color of my skin exactly.
It’s like an Instagram or TikTok filter for my skin in real life. My skin tone is uneven, pale with some red patches, and this cream just perfectly evens everything out," she added.
It Cosmetics CC+ Cream Natural Matte Foundation with SPF 40
If you're looking for a full-coverage foundation that also provides SPF protection, look no further than this mattifying formula.
"It blended out decently well and was very lightweight, which was nice," said associate editor Kamari Stewart. Plus a little bit goes a long way.
Dermablend Continuous Correction Tone-Evening CC Cream Foundation SPF 50+
This CC Cream is formulated to target redness, discoloration, dark spots and more, per the brand, and promises to last for up to 24 hours. It comes in 15 different shades and is formulated with SPF 50+, as well as niacinamide, vitamin E and caffeine.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops
For a year-round glow, editorial assistant Madison San Miguel loves these bronzing drops from beauty brand, Glow Recipe.
" I enjoyed that the results weren’t an unappealing and heavy sparkle," she said. "Instead, your skin looks like you drank gallons of water and have indulged in a lifetime of regular facials."
Clothing and accessories for hot summer days
Brita Premium Filtering Bottle (26 oz.)
Traveling often? Rather than purchasing a number of single-use water bottles, we found this reusable option from Brita to be worth the buy.
With a built-in filtration system, you're guaranteed a crisp sip, every time.
Stanley IceFlow Bottle
If you're looking for an insulated option, our editors loved this bottle from Stanley. We tested its temperature-control properties over a 24-hour period and found that the water we poured inside only rose 5.4 degrees in temperature (without ice).
Old Navy Side-Tie Swim Dress
Our editors love the figure-flattering silhouette of this dress and its comfortable feel.
“It’s snug without being too tight, and the built-in cups provide just enough support,” says Fama.
Summersalt The Perfect Wrap One-Piece
This one-piece has been called the "unicorn" of swimsuits for a reason! Our editors found that it provides ample coverage and looks good on just about everyone.
"The girls, fortunately, stayed in place in this Summersalt one-piece, even without the underwiring I usually require!" said senior editor Jess Bender.
Aerie Wide Strap Unlined Underwire Bikini Top
If you have a bigger bust, this is a top you’ll want in your swimsuit collection, according to Zabloudil.
“I’m petite with a large bust and have always found unlined balconette bras to be the most flattering on me, so I was excited to find a swim top in this exact style,” she said.
Aerie Full Coverage Bikini Bottom
These full-coverage bottoms are the complement to the above bikini top, but you can also mix and match them with other pieces of swimwear.
“I love the ribbed material, because it doesn’t act like a second skin like other suits do," said associate editor Sierra Hoeger.
Cupshe Longline V-Neck Bralette Classic High Waist Bikini Set
It's can be hard to find a two-piece bikini set that's actually comfortable to wear — until now!
“I love the cut of this swimsuit, especially that it offers a full coverage backside and high legs,” says associate editor Shannon Garlin. “It has decent padding on the top to help you feel covered without feeling heavy.”
Lanzom Panama Sun Hat
Our favorite thing about this sun hat? It's packable!
"I’ve owned this packable hat since 2020 and swear by it for any and all travel," says Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach.
Columbia Bora Bora II Booney
This unisex option is perfect for any outdoor vacation. Whether you'll be fishing on the boardwalk or hiking trails, the UPF 50 fabric should keep you covered.
G4Free Women's UV Protection Jacket UPF 50+
If you want to up the ante when it comes to sun protection, this jacket won over our editors with its UPF 50+ fabric.
Social media video producer Anita Chomenko says this jacket is "perfect" for the beach. " I love that there are zippered pockets so you could carry a few items in the jacket. Another bonus is the built-in hood!"
Spanx AirEssentials Jumpsuit
Not a fan of jumpsuits? This style from Spanx might just change your mind.
“I’ve always sworn that jumpsuits just weren’t for me,” says Musacchio. "The material is unbelievably soft and it feels like I’m wearing sweatpants."
Soma Everstretch Relaxed Travel Bra Dress
Dresses are the ultimate one-and-done outfit and we love that this style doesn't take up too much space in our suitcases! With a built-in bra and flattering length, you can wear it for just about any occasion, too.
Chubbies Classic Swim Sho
Editors liked the fit and feel of these swim trunks, which come in a range of patterns and prints. They're also available in three different inseam lengths in sizes XS-3XL, so you can pick the style that suits you best.
Vans Slip-On Mule TRK
Bring these on your next vacation if you're in need of a do-it-all shoe. Whether your summer vacation includes waterside adventures or a lot of walking, these shoes are comfortable, sturdy and quick drying.
Associate editor Allie Wise admits that she, "immediately fell in love with these shoes.
“They are super comfortable and easy to slip on/off. I wore them to the pool yesterday and dipped them in the water — they were completely dry 20 minutes later, thanks, in large part, to the holes," she added.
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