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What are your must-have products for summer? The Corporette team (Kat, Elizabeth, Kate, and CorporetteMoms writer Ann) has rounded up our favorites, but we’d love to hear yours!
Our Must-Have Products for Summer
Kat’s Must-Have Products for Summer
The Office Shawl
We actually had a post about this exact topic long ago — I’m sad to see that a lot of the products I really liked for summer have gone the way of the dodo. One that will always be around: the office shawl. I know they aren’t as big as they once were, but I still love them for this time of year. As I noted then,
A) If you’ve layered a blazer on top of a dress or lightweight top and are still freezing, you can add a wrap on top of the blazer. B) You can use it to cover your legs if you’re freezing in a skirt. C) Add length/coverage to your skirts while you’re sitting (I explain this more fully here).
Jockey Slip Shorts
Readers turned me on to Jockey Slip Shorts eons ago, and I’ve never found anything quite as comfortable as these thin bike shorts for wearing underneath skirts. I have been meaning to try some of the cooling shorts from Thigh Society, though.
Sunscreen and Sun Shirts
I like to joke that I’m a vampire because I try to be really good about sunscreen, hats, and other items. If you’re working outside at all, I like this ponytail-friendly hat from Amazon, as well as this super lightweight zip-up jacket from Uniqlo.
Bug Protection
Bugs love me (ugh) — I’ve tried a million things to keep them away. I do think the Thermacell helps, and this Bug Bite Thing provides relief after mosquito bites, at least. Did you know that you can buy “bug light bulbs” with a light temperature that bugs don’t like? These slow moving fans are also decent at keeping them away if you’re trying to eat in peace.
Elizabeth’s Must-Have Products for Summer
Almay Clear Gel Antiperspirant & Deodorant
Last year, I developed a really fun allergic reaction to almost all deodorants and antiperspirants. My beloved Donna Karan Cashmere Mist deodorant stick left me with an itchy rash, as did almost every “natural” and/or “hypo-allergenic” deodorant I tried. Since then, the only thing that has worked for me is this clear gel from Almay, which also does a shockingly good job at keeping me dry and odor-free, especially when used in conjunction with the following product.
PanOxyl Maximum Strength Antimicrobial Acne Foaming Wash
If you are a person who sweats a lot, a benzoyl peroxide cleanser might be something to add to your routine in the summer months. The benzoyl peroxide kills some of the bacteria that can lead to body odor. A few times a week, I apply this PanOxyl product to my underarms and let it sit for a few minutes in the shower before rinsing it off.
L’Oreal Paris Collagen Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
I have been a loyal user of the Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum for years and years, but I decided to try out some drugstore options recently to see if I could find something that I liked at a slightly lower price point. This lotion from L’Oreal has a similar not-too-thick, not-too-thin consistency that makes my skin feel hydrated, but not oily. It’s a third of the cost, and I’m thrilled with it. Plus, no white cast!
Megababe Thigh Rescue
It’s not summer until I’ve cracked open a fresh stick of Megababe Thigh Rescue. I have tried just about everything to avoid the fiery sensation of thighs rubbing together on a hot day, and this stick is the perfect balance of effectiveness and convenience. I keep one in my bathroom, my work bag, and my handbag. It’s really that good.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
This product has gone viral in the last year or so with influencers and dermatologists extolling its various uses. I’m sure it’s great on your face, scalp, and armpits as they’ve all suggested, but I’m here to tell you that if you’re not using it on your feet, you’re missing out.
Once or twice a week, I soak a cotton round and apply this stuff all over my feet to remove dead skin. I then apply a thick lotion and a pair of cotton socks. I haven’t sat in a pedicure chair since last summer and my heels are still as smooth as can be.
Grampa’s Weeder
This is an admittedly niche product, but it’s one of my favorite purchases in the last few years. It allows you to yank out dandelions and other weeds cleanly and without bending over and digging around. I probably spend too much time wandering around my yard with this thing, but my grass is weed-free and has never looked better.
Kate’s Must-Have Products for Summer
Blotting Sheets
I’ve used these Clean & Clear blotting sheets forever, and summer is when they especially come in handy, as a quick blot removes any shine from your T-zone. (It’s also helpful to use before you put on sunscreen so you’re not applying it to oily skin — now if I could only remember to do that.) I buy the brand name out of habit, but I’m sure the Top Care version works just as well.
Writing this, I just realized I really should use a more environmentally-friendly option, so I’m eyeing these Hello Kitty paper ones at Amazon from K-beauty brand the Crème Shop, because why not? (They’re stored in a pocket mirror!)
Reflective Car Sunshade
I realize this is a really ’80s/’90s item, because I barely see them around anymore. I suppose it’s because it’s the norm to have air conditioning in cars today, but they’re still useful with car A/C! It doesn’t even get that hot where I live (90 degrees is rare, thankfully), but putting one of these on your windshield makes a huge difference in how hot the interior gets. I used to have a fun one but now I just have this boring solid color shade.
Driver’s Seat Fabric Cover
Speaking of hot cars, I’m getting tired of coming back to a super hot seat when I get into my car in the summer, and because mine has dark leather seats, it’s a pretty frequent annoyance. I just ordered this seat cover so that I will no longer have to yelp in pain when I get back to the parking lot. Bonus: It’s available in lots of colors (so I picked purple, because it’s the best color and I will not entertain arguments).
Protective Tattoo Sleeves
Did you know your car’s side windows block UVB rays much better than UVA and don’t offer as much protection as the windshield glass? It was news to me a few years ago. Because I have large tattoos on my arms and want to protect my “investment” (and my skin), I typically wear sleeves like this when I drive in summer. (I’m under no illusion that I don’t look silly, but whatever.) You can wear them for outdoor sports and gardening, too!
Uniqlo also makes these, as does sun-protection brand Coolibar, and I just bought a pair from the latter, on sale. Btw, don’t forget sunscreen on your hands!
Ann’s Must-Have Products for Summer
Summer is my least favorite season — I can’t stand the searing heat and sticky humidity. Thankfully, these products make summer more bearable:
Sun Bum Kids’ Clear Sunscreen SPF 50
Most kids’ sunscreen is chalky and hard to rub in. Not this clear sunscreen lotion. My kids even know to ask for it by name.
Sun Squad Scenic Palm Tree Beach Towel
The pool is the only thing I look forward to during the summer. I like to have the loudest, brightest beach towel for lounging — forget quiet luxury.
UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo, Swim Formula
Speaking of the pool, this chlorine removal shampoo has been my favorite for years. I use it after every swim to keep my hair soft and manageable.
Secret Dry Feel Whole Body Sensitive Deodorant
In anticipation of summer, I’m trying out this new-to-me whole body deodorant. I’ve got some warm weather travel coming up, and I hope this will keep me fresh and comfortable from breakfast buffet until I’m back at the hotel.
Coleman Cooler Quad Chair
My youngest has fallen in love with T-ball — and a portable folding chair like this one from Coleman has kept me comfortable during all his games and practices. It just lives in the trunk of my car.
Uniqlo AIRism Sleeveless Top
I have a stack of Uniqlo’s HeatTech tops for winter and a stack of their Airism tops for summer. This moisture-wicking sleeveless top would be the perfect layer under your favorite tee or tank.
Some of Our General Favorite Must-Have Products for Summer
Sunscreen
Products to Keep You Cool On Your Commute
These are some interesting products to help you cool down or stay cool on your commute. See more clever products like this in our Amazon shop! (If you’re suffering from hot flashes or feel like throwing money at the problem, do check out the Embr Wave cooling bracelet…)
Lightweight Pants That Aren’t Linen
Hats
Hats readers have loved (as of 2025) include those from Wallaroo and Eric Javets for sun hats; Kat’s always liked her basic Adidas hat. This really popular bucket hat has a hole for your ponytail! Also: check out this clever hat clip for your bag.
Stock photo via Stencil.