Summer is here and there's a good chance you'll find us lounging on the beach, relaxing by the pool — or really any other body of water — and preparing for our upcoming vacation.
But we want to know how you're gearing up for the season. Are you revamping your closet with maxi dresses or opting for a chic matching set for summer days? Grabbing a beach chair or setting up a spot in the shade like us?
Whatever your plans may be, we want to help you prepare! We asked you to cast your vote to determine the ultimate summer essentials, which have finally been revealed exclusively on TODAY.
Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach stopped by the show to share picks in terms of the best road trip essentials, waterproof beauty staples and more, all voted on by viewers. Keep reading to shop your favorite picks.
Shop the winners | Shop more TODAY Bestsellers: Viewers' Choice products
Shop the winners of TODAY Bestsellers: Viewers' Choice
Best one-and-done summer outfit
Xieerduo Two-Piece Tracksuit Set
Prefer something that’s a little more casual? You can’t go wrong with a two-piece set. This outfit is made with a polyester-rayon-spandex blend for a soft and stretchy feel, plus it comes in sizes S-3X.
ANRABESS 2-Piece Sleeveless Wide Leg Tracksuit Set
Editor’s note: Our Viewer’s Choice winner sold out, but we found this similar option.
Another popular two-piece find, this set is both stylish and comfortable. If you love these picks, you'll also enjoy this Shop TODAY editor-favorite, that she describes as the "perfect matching set for any occasion."
Best summer accessory
Butaby Rectangle Retro Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must-have, regardless of where you are headed as the weather gets warmer. We like this style for its retro feel and assortment of color options, including hot pink and even leopard print.
Best waterproof beauty staple
Essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara
For the price, this waterproof mascara can’t be beat! It has amassed more than 47,000 five-star ratings from shoppers that say it actually lives up to its promise and is perfect for beach trips. Lashes will remain long and luscious — even if you get splashed in the pool.
Best beach/pool must-have
Ostrich Portable Chaise Lounge Chair
If you want to soak up some sun, this lightweight chair (that one editor loves!) conveniently features arm holes and a face pillow, so you can lie on your stomach. The face cavity is convenient if you're a reader, too, as you'll be able to lay face down and still read your favorite book. Or, use it traditionally and support your head and kick back if you choose to lay flat.
Best road trip essential
Retractable Fast Car Charger
Hitting the road but forgot a phone charger for the car? This gadget features built-in cables and plugs right into the cigarette lighter. According to the brand, it can charge your phone battery up to 80% in as little as 35 minutes.
Bonus winner: Hair-saver
Color Wow Money Mist Leave-In Conditioner
This leave-in took home the title of best overall leave-in conditioner during Shop TODAY’s 2024 Beauty Awards, earning the honor from our editors who used it as a way to add volume to their hair on days when it wasn’t necessarily greasy or dirty.
Beyond being a solution for unwashed, frizzy hair, it also provides heat and UV protection while styling your hair or wearing it natural during out in the sun.
More TODAY Bestsellers: Viewers’ Choice products
Anrabess Summer Casual Maxi Dress
Nothing is easier than throwing on a breezy dress and heading out the door! We love this style for its flattering silhouette, variety of colors and most of all — for its built-in pockets!
Fit & Fresh All the Things Weekender Bag
This isn't your average tote bag — clearly! It's large enough to hold all of your beach essentials or everything you need for a weekend getaway, measuring at 22” x 18” x 12", according to the brand. In addition to its spacious interior, it also features three large interior pockets and one zippered pocket and can support up to 50 pounds.
Wunderbrow Waterproof Brow Gel
If you just want to tame your brows and head out the door, over 28,000 shoppers praise this formula for its ability to get the job done. It comes in six different shades, ranging from blonde to jet black.
Versa Bella SPF 50+ Umbrella with Universal Clamp
If you've already got your own beach chair but want another portable solution for the beach, consider this umbrella. Rather than spending time trying to stick a standard umbrella into the ground, this accessory clamps right onto a number of surfaces and is adjustable, so you can catch some shade just about anywhere.
Portable Car Jump Starter
Something you definitely don't want to be caught on the road without? A jump starter. We like this model because it not only functions as intended, but also acts as a portable charger and LED emergency lamp, says the brand.
How we chose
We launched our first-ever Shop TODAY Bestsellers: Readers' Choice — a curation of 10 bestselling and editor-favorite products across four categories: beauty, fashion, home and tech. For our 10 product picks, the Shop TODAY team chose must-have’s for summer, including tried-and-true brands and new finds, but they all had to meet the criteria: must be something we have used, meet a seasonal need and be under $100. From there, we reviewed everything based on efficacy of the product claims, size-inclusivity, stock and ease of use to come up with our 10 contenders.
