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    40 Summer Things Reviewers Gave Over 1,000 5-Star Ratings

    Summer has ☀️ arrived ☀️ and these superstar products are here to make it even better.

    1. A mini sprinkler pool so you can convert your backyard into a splash park during that brutal heat wave when everyone needs a way to cool off ASAP. Plus, it has an adorable ABCs design on the bottom so the kiddos can learn in between splashing.

    the blue splash pool with water coming out the top

    2. A cooling elevated pet bed to keep your pup cool and comfy during their outdoor naps. The mesh center keeps air circulating for breathability and keeps your dog off the ground when it's wet. It miiiight even become a trampoline during energetic play sessions — imagine the cuteness!

    3. Ultra-soft deep pocket fitted sheets from Bare Home designed for breathability so you don't have to sweat through those warm summer nights. Plus, the corners will hug your mattress up to 15 inches deep so they're not constantly slipping off every time you toss and turn a bit at night.

    model in their pajamas pulling a white fitting sheet over the mattress

    4. A Radiate portable campfire (as seen on Shark Tank!) you can take on hikes, beach days, camping trips, picnics, and more for a little cozy warmth and ambience when the sun goes down. It just takes one match to get it started!

    5. A ruffled, lace-front flounce swimsuit *because* not only is it a ridiculously cute and comfortable option for all of your water adventures; it ALSO doubles as a stylish top when you throw denim shorts or a skirt over the bottom. That means it's perfect for taking from the boardwalk to dinner, or to a music festival where rain is in the forecast — it's fast-drying!

    reviewer wearing orange one piece
    reviewer wearing blue bathing suit

    5-star ratings: 5,000+

    Promising reviews: "As I pushed 'add to cart' on this swimsuit, I did so with an eye roll and a sigh — I am a short, curvy girl and I'm chesty too. I've seen this design on a few different sites claiming it's one of the 'great bathing suits' for the summer, but there was no way this was going to work on me, right? Well, I can take back the eye roll and sigh — not only does it fit, but it makes me look dang good. The material on this suit is nice and thick, you can adjust the strings in the front to show more or less skin, and so far it has managed to adequately cover my booty despite me roaming around the house in it to try it out. I'm smitten — surprised too — but smitten." —Tenacious

    "I LOVE this bathing suit, I hadn’t bought a bathing suit in almost 3 years and I’ve been struggling to find the perfect one. AND HERE IT IS! It was also an awesome outfit for a festival, which was super helpful cuz it actually rained the day I wore it so it dries super fast! AND it’s a cute top when paired with some jean shorts or a skirt!!" —Ant

    Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–22 Plus and 39 colors).

    6. A watermelon ball that'll become a staple in any pool games, as it moves through the water just as easily as the air! The tough PVC material is also durable enough to withstand multiple summers of play.

    left side shows a kid underwater with their watermelon ball in a pool and the right is an image of a reviewer's watermelon ball on their floor

    7. A bug bite suction tool if mosquitoes and other flying bugs are the bane of your existence and keep you from enjoying the outdoors. It works by actually suctioning out the venom, saliva, and other irritants causing the itchy reaction on your skin.

    The suction can be pretty strong, so use caution and try a small amount of suction first and work your way up if necessary.

    5-star ratings: 44,000+

    Promising review: "I am a magnet for bites of all kinds and carry topical and medicines with me at all times — so I figured this would be a good product to see if it really works. I woke up with a bug bite on my arm so I used this little tool (three times per the instructions). Immediately after using, it stopped itching! And less than 24 hours later the bump/bite gone! There is a very faint red mark from using the thing, but a small price to pay IMO. Bottom line: It’s awesome. I’m carrying it with me everywhere!" —Rebecca

    Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in five colors and in packs).

    8. And a plant-based bug repellent capable of actually keeping mosquitoes and other pesky bugs away from your neck, arms, and legs without that awful chemical smell — you'll appreciate its lemon-eucalyptus scent (and the lack of itchy bites at the end of the night).

    a reviewer's hand holding the bug spray bottle

    9. Yankee Candles because they're a classic for a reason, and their summertime scents are not to be slept on. With lovely smells like "Pink Sands," "White Gardenia," and "Island Waterfall," their candles will have you dreaming of your next vacay and make any guests say, "It smells incredible in here!"

    person holding the pink sands yankee candle

    10. Miracle-Gro indoor plant food spikes if you plan on using the longer days (and more daylight hours) to finally create the indoor plant oasis of your dreams. Just plop these into the soil, and they'll feed each plant for up to two months!

    11. Burt's Bees after-sun lotion because you forgot to re-up your sunscreen again and now you're sunburned 🙃. This contains soothing, hydrating aloe vera and coconut oil to help your red, painful skin feel better right away. 

    5-star ratings: 6,000+

    Promising review: "I’m happy to say this product works! Two times in one summer I proved my inability to adult well. I applied this lotion the MINUTE I realized that I had experienced another exposure to the sun for too long a period. To my absolute joy, this product relieved my discomfort. It left a layer that stayed cool for a few hours (at which time I reapplied it), it was a little tacky to the touch (not sticky or oily), and my skin did not experience the crocodile and subsequent peeling experience it had earlier in the season. The scent is soft and not overpowering. I have experienced skin sensitivity in the past to products, but I had no issues with Burt’s Bees products. Thank you for providing me with such a helpful product." —Meghan 

    Get it from Amazon for $9.58.

    12. Birkenstock Arizona sandals that remain a classic, one worth splurging on if time-tested durability and comfort are your key footwear concerns. They've been known to last well over a decade with proper care, and the contoured footbed molds to your feet over time. 

    reviewer's feet wearing the beige sandals
    reviewer's feet wearing the dark gray sandals

    Prime members: You can try before you buy!

    Several of our BuzzFeed Shopping colleagues *swear* by their Birks — you can read their thoughts here (#1) and here (#3)

    5-star ratings: 29,000+

    Promising review: "Been buying the Birkenstock Arizona for the last decade, and I’ll never buy anything else. Walked many miles in a day all over Europe, and I never got a single blister. I’ll wear a pair almost every day throughout a summer, and I need to replace my pair every 3-4 years." —Julie Bosworth

    Get them from Amazon for $89.95+ (available in women's sizes 4–19.5 and men's sizes 2–17.5, including narrow sizes, and in dozens of styles — not all styles available in all sizes). 

    13. A bodycon dress you can dress up or down as much as you like — either way, this versatile piece is breathable enough for summer, but you can style it across multiple seasons because it has ~range~.

    14. A rechargeable handheld fan because it may be small, but it delivers a mighty powerful wind, according to reviewers. When you're *not* fanning yourself, it folds up by the handle for each storage and can prop itself up too — yeah, you might just want to keep this one in your summer bag.

    15. A 4-in-1 pool float capable of holding up to 250 pounds and converting into four possible styles: hammock, chair, drifter, and exercise saddle. Meet your new BFF on days off this summer.

    16. Yonanas fruit soft-serve maker to convert your favorite frozen fruits into a smooth and creamy sorbet-like treat in a matter of minutes — what better comfort when the temps outside are soaring? Strawberry-banana, mango, kiwi, blueberries... the options are endless, and if you're vegan or have dietary restrictions that prevent you from having ice cream, this lets you get in on the action as well.

    The black device on a table with sorbet in a bowl under it
    A close up of a reviewer's yellow and red sorbet

    5-star ratings: 12,000+

    Promising review: "I saw one of these in action at a friend's house like five years ago and thought it was just a made up memory, because making ice cream out of solely frozen fruit seems wild. But when I saw a TikTok about it I immediately went to Amazon and bought it. Literally this was the BEST decision of my life. I cannot believe still how amazing this thing is! It makes the creamiest, best-tasting fruit ice cream ever. It’s easy to take apart and clean, and super easy to use." —DMCKAY

    Get it from Amazon for $39.59+ (available in six colors). 

    17. Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray if you dread putting on makeup on hot days because you know it won't last once you start sweating. This holy grail spray ensures your flawless ~lewk~ will survive rain, sweat, and nights out without smudging *or* transferring off inside a mask! 

    before/after of an editor's makeup look for a taylor swift concert, showing how the setting spray kept her makeup perfect 12 hours later
    model holding up the bottle of setting spray
    Jenae Sitzes / BuzzFeed, www.instagram.com

    5-star ratings: 9,000+

    Marquaysa: "I use this spray and will swear by it for the rest of my days. I definitely have oilier skin in the summer months and over the years, I've tried a number of drugstore setting sprays that did absolutely nothing. This spray is worth the extra coins. I even wore it to Puerto Rico. Through the blazing sun and lots of ocean splashes, my makeup did NOT budge."

    Jenae: "I first put this setting spray to the test for a wedding that involved taking multiple trains in and out of Manhattan on a hot day and being in crowded rooms where airflow was ~limited~. As such, I was sweating up a storm, but my makeup looked *flawless* by the time I got home that night. Soon after that event, I put it to an even bigger task: surviving sweat, tears, and 12 hours of wear for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. My makeup look (pictured above) was done by 2 p.m., and thanks to my now highly trusted Urban Decay spray, it stayed completely intact (minus the lipstick I purposefully wiped off while scarfing down post-concert pizza) until the time I got home just after 2 a.m. Here's what it endured during that timespan: multi-leg public transportation to and from the venue, waiting in lines under the blaring sun to get in, multiple meals and drinks, jumping, screaming, and literally full-on crying multiple times during the show. My liquid eyeliner, eyeshadow, non-waterproof mascara, foundation, blush, and even glitter were unfazed, and I owe it all to this setting spray." 

    Get it from Amazon or Sephora for $16+ (available in two sizes).

    18. High-waisted workout shorts so you don't have to fall off your workout routine just because you don't feel like wearing long leggings — these are ultra-soft, stretchy, and wick away excess moisture while letting your lower legs breathe. Plus, they have a pocket big enough for stashing your phone or keys!

    19. An off-the-shoulder dress with an adorable scalloped eyelet hem and off-shoulder sleeves that'll let your skin breathe. Time to ~manifest~ yourself in this on a cruise ship with the wind in your hair ASAP.

    Reviewer posing on a boat in black mini dress with laser cut hem
    reviewer in yellow version of the dress

    5-star ratings: 2,000+

    Promising review: "I took a chance and ordered based on reviews. Always taking a risk ordering plus-size online especially an unfamiliar brand, but I’m glad I did. I wore this on an evening dinner cruise. It was such a comfortable dress. It stays off the shoulder pretty well. I was happy with this dress and the price." —Lydia B.

    Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in women's sizes XL–4X and in 15 colors)

    20. Ice pop molds to make your own homemade chilled treats with any ingredients you like — sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Bonus: They have a drip tray at the base so you don't end up with sticky hands while eating your ice pop.

    the ice pop molds filled with frozen fruit

    21. A stainless-steel insulated can cooler so you can crack open a cold one outside without it going warm before you've ever had a chance to finish it (the WORST). You can use it with all your canned beers, hard seltzers, energy drinks, and sodas this summer while lounging by the beach, lake, or pool.

    two cans (one blue, one black) holding sodas on the beach

    22. A facial ice roller to treat yourself to some cooling relief after a long, hot day. It can also help with inflammation, swelling, headaches, puffiness, and other minor aches and pains in your face.

    23. And a facial cooling spray so you can spritz yourself with thermal spring water to soothe and soften your skin when you feel yourself starting to overheat. Reviewers say it works wonders for sensitive skin, sunburns, rosacea, and other irritations in need of some relief.

    two bottles of the thermal spring water spray in two different sizes

    24. A Ninja air fryer for days when standing over the hot stove is gonna be a big "NOPE" from you (but you still want a yummy meal for dinner).

    25. AND! A rapid egg cooker made to take all the time and stress out of cooking eggs just the way you like them — without the stove heating up the room.

    An egg cooker with a transparent dome plastic top, where six eggs are cooking inside

    26. A pack of ready-to-use fruit fly traps so you can finally go to war against the gnats and fruit flies invading your home — and win. These cute, unassuming "apples" will lure them in and trap them in the bottom, with a built-in window so you can keep an eye on the action. 

    reviewer image of the apple-shaped fruit fly trap
    reviewer image of the trap open to reveal dead fruit flies inside

    5-star ratings: 39,000+

    Promising review: “I live in an apartment complex where the collective trash is removed infrequently. The stench tends to attract heavy amounts of fruit flies, particularly during the summer, and they fly into our apartment by the dozen anytime we enter or leave the residence. These traps came in overnight; I set them up immediately and watched as all the flies in my kitchen swarmed to it. I recommend placing it near their favorite spot to catch the majority of them. Have had one of these up for about a week, I rarely see flies and I notice the bottom filling up with them so I know it's working. Would recommend to anyone." —Ellen Baltazar

    Get a pack of four from Amazon for $14.32.

    27. A classic Hanes tee if your summer wardrobe is in dire need of some mix-and-match staples — it's breezy enough for hot days, and when it comes to styling it, the sky's the limit.

    28. A pack of velvet hair scrunchies for all your ponytail and bun needs this summer, because keeping long hair out of your face and off your neck is a *necessity* sometimes. Plus, they can add a cute pop of color to your outfits. ☀️

    29. A sweet lil' ruffled blouse that ties in the back, with a cropped cut to go with all of your high-waisted pants, shorts, and skirts. This top is giving "main character in a summer romance" energy, and I'm simply obsessed.

    reviewer in a black ruffled top with jeans
    reviewer showing the tie back of the white top with a pink skirt on

    Prime members: You can try before you buy!

    5-star ratings: 4,000+

    Promising review: "This top is soooo cute! The top where the shoulders are are elastic so they're stretchy and will stay wherever you place them. The wrap tie is super great as well. It's a lightweight material but it's not see-through at all. I wore with a strapless bra but you can easily do without a bra." —Lizette A.

    Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in women's sizes XS–XL and in 36 colors).

    30. Teva sandals, aka the stuff of dreams when it comes to a reliable, long-lasting pair of outdoor sandals — they're quick-drying and have a rugged sole, making them ideal for light hikes and water activities. Plus, they come in a bunch of cute designs!

    reviewer's feet in the black and white sandals
    reviewer's feet in the multicolored sandals

    Prime members: You can try before you buy!

    5-star ratings: 14,000+

    Promising review: "These Tevas have the same wonderful qualities I have grown to expect from ALL Teva shoes. They are easy to put on and take off and I wear them every day to walk my dog in the summer for two miles per day. Believe me, they are comfy. You can adjust the strap on top and behind your heel, so if something doesn't feel right, you just keep adjusting. My last pair of Tevas lasted EIGHT YEARS!!!! I was sad to see them go, but ordered the same style again and just put them IMMEDIATELY on and walked my dog. NO breaking in!!" —NJ Reader

    Get them from Amazon for $30+ (available in women's sizes 5–14 and 23 styles). You can find a version available in men's sizes here.

    31. high-voltage insect zapper you can hang near wherever people will be hanging out the most in your backyard, whether it's by the pool, patio, or fire pit. It eliminates mosquitoes, gnats, flies, and other bugs with wings that are undeniably the worst part of lounging around outside. 

    the blue insect zapper hanging under a patio
    close-up look at the bug zapper with dead bugs inside

    It has a range of up to 1,500 square feet!

    5-star ratings: 6,000+

    Promising review: "Perfect for summer days. Absolutely in love with this product. We’ve been avoiding being outside in the evenings due to gnarly mosquito bites. But ever since we bought this product, it hasn’t been an issue! Highly recommend and try it out for yourself. You won’t regret it!" —Venus

    Get it from Amazon for $26.90+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 

    32. Fenty Beauty foundation because it's made for long-lasting wear that'll keep you matte (instead of shiny) even when it's hot as heck outside. It offers buildable, medium-to-full coverage in 50 (!) shades — thanks RiRi!

    33. An Alexa-compatible energy-efficient air conditioner that can help ease your (usually painful) energy bills in the summer, as it saves over 35% on energy compared to traditional window AC units. Now you can lean back and enjoy not only your comfortably chilled room, but the sweet feeling of more money in your pocket too. 

    the window ac unit in a window
    app screenshot showing reviewer's garage AC set at 75

    Since the AC is Wi-Fi-enabled, you can control it from anywhere using the MideaAir app (available on both iOS and Android). You can also use voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant.

    5-star ratings: 12,000+

    Promising review: "I don’t usually write product reviews, but I am now because this is one of the best household products I have ever bought. This Midea U-shaped AC is an ingenious design that is basically a split AC system mounted in a window, with the window closing almost all the way through the middle of the unit. The result is a much quieter and more efficient unit, with the noisy part that generates heat on the outside of the closed window. It also looks sleek and modern and the remote control and app are great. I have thought many times 'I wish someone would make a split AC system that can fit in a window without having to install separate units on the roof or wall,' and now they have!" —Ben

    Get it from Amazon for $379+ (available with three BTU levels).

    34. Sunglasses you'll want to have on hand for the rest of your summer travels, from driving and hiking to lounging by the beach. Their polarized lenses reduce the glare from light reflected off water, roads, and other surfaces so your eyes remain comfortable.

    35. Reef flip-flops that put the rubbery kind to shame, cushioning your feet so you don't end up with aches and blisters after a day of strolling down the boardwalk. With nubuck leather straps, a cushioned EVA footbed, and rubber sponge outsole, Reefs are made to last summer after summer, and they do. 

    reviewer wearing black thick-ish strap flip flops
    same reviewer showing the side edge of the shoe, which is thick and contoured with support

    Many reviewers recommend sizing up.

    Prime members: You can try before you buy!

    5-star ratings: 10,000+

    Promising review: "I wear these literally EVERY DAY — those shoes you slip on to dash out the door. If I could live in flip-flops, I would, and these Reefs are the best. Durable, with a slight arch support. I've tried to walk a day in those super flat, super minimal flip-flops, and cannot do it. Reefs have a good cushion, and will last an entire summer or more (depending on how much you wear them, of course). These are my daily, reliable shoe in the summer." —Graciebird

    Get them from Amazon for $28.61+ (available in women's sizes 5–12 and eight colors).

    36. A time-marked water bottle because you *told* yourself you would try to drink more water, but that hasn't exactly happened yet. This will help you pace yourself through the day so you're not having to guzzle a bunch right before bedtime.

    37. A cooling towel for wearing around your neck so you don't overheat, whether you're playing outdoor sports or running errands. All you have to do is soak it in cold water and rinse — and when it eventually starts to get warmer, just rinse and repeat!

    38. A set of bestselling ribbed crop tops — fair warning, you'll probably end up buying multiple sets for more ~color options~ once you witness how cute and versatile they are for yourself. You can style this warm-weather basic SO many ways, and *many* people are drawing comparisons to Free People...at a fraction of the price. 

    reviewer in the olive green tank
    reviewer in the lavender tank

    Note that these run small, so consider sizing up for a more relaxed fit.

    See them in this TikTok!

    5-star ratings: 4,000+

    Promising review: "I love them! The colors are as pictured with the little bit of distressed, faded look in areas. Looks like they came from Free People! The neckline lands mid to high chest area, and the armpits scoop in like a scuba tank style. Love love love, want it in more colors." —Amber

    Get a pack of three for $28.98 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and dozens of styles, including two-packs and three-packs). 

    39. A magnetic mesh cover that lets pets go in and out without pawing at the door every half hour, closing automatically behind them thanks to the magnetism. It *also* keeps mosquitos, gnats, flies, and other flying pests out of your home — a win-win for you and your fur babies.

    40. A portable outdoor rocking chair you'll use again and again for outdoor concerts, sports games, or just hanging out around the fire at night. It'll make your time in the great outdoors as comfy as possible with a sturdy rocking frame, breathable mesh backrest, padded armrests, and even a cup holder.

    Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.