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Nothing ruins your vacation like getting a wicked sunburn on the first day, so let’s prevent that.

I am a contributor and former BuzzFeed Shopping writer based in Cincinnati, OH where you can find me curating lists on ~a little bit of everything~ (and adding a few things to my own cart in the process).

Promising review: "The BEST sunscreen I have ever used! I am always prone to burn any time I get out in the sun. I decided to take a trip to the beach this summer and just went kayaking for four hours on the water in the BEAMING sun and in the MIDDLE OF THE DAY. I put sunscreen everywhere except for my chest. Wanna know where my skin is resembling that of a cherry? My chest. The rest of me? TANNING WITH NO BURN WHATSOEVER!!! I was shocked. I love this product and will forever recommend it for the rest of my life. Stay safe and stay unaffected from the sun you guys!!!" —Channing C. 

Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (also available in SPF 30). 

Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned small business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra-sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing. Plus, it's cruelty-free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.

Promising reviews: "I love this sunscreen. It’s creamy, leaves my skin glowing, and I feel protected. Unlike other brands that are thick and leave an odd hue on my skin, this actually looks and feels great. Anyone with some melanin should use this to protect their skin. I can’t praise enough and will definitely have in my bag for vacations, a day on the golf course, or just running around town." —Ann Ray

"No white cast left on beautifully melanated skin. I love the light glow it leaves. Even though I moisturize my face too, my skin feels so soft, hydrated, and protected. Customer for life." —GHD

Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three quantities).

Promising review: "This is my go-to for sunscreen protection for my scalp. With the applicator tip it is easy to apply without getting all over my hair. I use to have to wear a hat all the time in the sun but this product offers me the protection I needed." —Anne

Promising review: "I was going back and forth between this and an off-brand to save a few dollars. Glad I got this, though, it really works great. My drink was cold hours later, even in 80 degrees at the beach." —roni

Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in 19 colors).

To use this all you have to do is combine the poles, thread it through the canopy, plant the poles into the sand, and fill the bag with sand. The shade uses the breeze to keep it elevated — as little as 3 mph of wind is all you need. 

Promising review: "We love our Shibumi. After using a friends for a beach trip we decided to make the purchase. Well worth the money...game changer for beach days. Easy set up and very compact storage. Lightweight so easy to carry for walks to the beach… can’t imagine life without one now." —Misty

Get it from Amazon for $230+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

It even comes with a compact carrying case so you can just shove it in your bag so it's always ready when you need it.

Promising review: "I threw these in my bag last minute for a trip to a resort in Cancun, and we absolutely loved them! They take up no room, and I easily fit two pillows in my carry-on bag to have for the beach. Made the beach chairs so much more relaxing by being able to be comfortable. They blew up so easily. It just took four big breaths for each pillow. Loved that I could either use the straps or sand to hold them in place. I also liked the idea of traveling with them in my carry-on in case we had a delayed flight, and I had enough time for an airport nap. I'll be bringing these on all future vacations." —Nikki Miller

Get it from Amazon for $36.95 (available in 15 colors).

Promising review: "I am obsessed with this! I am a terrible adult and rarely finish my soda because it goes flat (EW). This has been used every day since I got it. Easy to put on and easy to remove. Cinch to clean! It cuts my waste so far down. It stays in place, even when knocked over. I am clumsy, I haven't figured out how to body most days. It does not leak when knocked over. Even violently. Get it! You won't regret it." —Rachael Ryon 

Get a set of four from Amazon for $14.99. 

Shadey Attachments is a UK-based small business that came up with this idea after seeing people struggle to view their phones while lounging in the sun. The shades attach to most mobile devices by suction and fans out to protect your face from UV rays. 

Promising review: "I ordered this last-minute for Christmas holiday, and I can honestly say, I now can’t use my phone in the sun without it! It took a second to get going and to realize you have to point it at the sun to put your face in the shade (also better for the wrinkles). It's literally the best thing ever for the sun." —Hayley Place

Get it from Shadey Attachments on Etsy for $19.40 (available in six colors). 

Promising review: "While I usually sit upright most of the time at the beach, having the option to be able to lay face down and read is so amazing. We spent six hours at the beach the other day and I downloaded some of my TV from Netflix to catch up on and used a large towel and draped it over the sides of the headrest and had my own little personal theater in the fresh air! It's very light and easy to carry and the sand comes off super easily. The cushion around the face opening makes it super comfortable as well!!! Love this thing! —The Slow Care Vertical

Get it from Amazon for $64.99+ (available in 13 colors and two versions). 

Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action. 

Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear. As soon as you step into the sun it turns purple. If you use a sunblock it starts to become clear or semi clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times the spot started turning purple and I applied sunblock again. In a minute the spot was clear again. So this is very effective in alerting me when to reapply." —RGTorque

Get a 16-count from Amazon for $16.49 (available in three quantities).

To inflate, just move it through the air and trap the air by closing the sleeve opening before you're done moving. Make sure to keep the opening closed until you start your next inflating movement. I've always seen people doing a little running motion or a figure eight with it to fill it up with air quicker. I think it definitely requires a bit of trial and error but once you've done it a couple of times you'll get the hang of it!

Promising review: "I wanted to hang out in the beach and just lay down for a couple of hours. I tried foldable chairs but they were too heavy. I tried the Wekapo and it was the best solution. It packs to a small size, it's lightweight enough, and it elevates me enough from the sand." —Rohan jcp

Get it from Amazon for $38.98+ (available in 20 colors).

Promising review: "This was amazing in the sun and light rain that happened in Hawaii while we were on the beach. It easily fits in a medium purse and has a great way to carry a case. I love it." —crystal hank

Get it from Amazon for $13.99+ (available in 19 colors and two-packs). 

Psst — a lot of reviewers swear by this for easy hands-free shade solutions for strollers and wheelchairs as well!

Promising review: "I got this small beach chair umbrella to take on vacation to Florida because the hotel does not provide umbrellas. I did not want to pay to rent a large one and have to carry it back and forth to the beach. This umbrella was perfect. It is lightweight, comes in a nylon carry bag with an over the shoulder strap. It fit into my large suitcase. It easily clipped onto the lounge chairs at the beach and withstood some fairly strong winds. It fit my needs for vacation and I will continue to use it in my pool as I often like to shade my head and face." —Jane

Get it from Amazon for $15.17+ (available in two sizes and two colors).

You can also use this in your room to keep valuables protected.

Promising review: "This is a must-have for vacations. We took it to Atlantis in the Bahamas. It worked perfectly. Held our phones, room keys, etc. while we were out enjoying the beach or pool. Just looped it to the beach chair or table. Highly recommended." —Amazon Customer

Get it from Amazon for $37.95+ (available in five colors).

This speaker can last 24 hours on a single charge and it has a built-in power bank to charge your phone while you're jamming out.

Promising reviews: "Works great! Perfect for the beach!! Really loud worth the money." —paige smith

"I cannot understand how something this size can possibly produce such amazing loud clear sound and bass. It is a truly incredible device that I intend to use daily because it works well outside too. Do not be deceived by the affordable price, it is significantly better than a $400 version. The battery life is great too. If I want it loud, half the volume is all you need. The bass-up function is awesome. You’re gonna love this thing. I bought it in blue to match all my other blue Soundcore devices, and it’s gorgeous." —Rob and Piper

Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in three colors).

The set comes with three collapsible pails, three shovels, and a mesh carrying bag.

Promising review: "These are great and fold down nicely for easy packing in our beach bag. They are an amazing quality and do not feel flimsy at all when open! Kids even collected shells in them and they held up wonderfully with the weight." —Ally

Get a pack of three from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in four color combos).

To make it even cooler, dip it in water, and then place it in your beach cooler for a few minutes before putting it on your dog!

Promising review: "Took my pup to the beach and was worried she would overheat! This product did wonders! Stays cool longer than my other one!" —McKenna

Get it from Amazon for $8.99+ (available in four sizes).

This product is formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.

Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application. A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" —Jessie Patterson

Get it from Amazon for $8.59+ (also available in a three-pack).

Promising review: "I got absolutely FRIED at the beach this past weekend and tried everything under the sun (literally) to provide some relief for my sunburn. I was in so much pain, and every over-the-counter aloe gel, lidocaine, and cold shower was not helping. I found this wrap on my TikTok and immediately bought it. As soon as I put this on my burn, I was immediately relieved of any burning or irritation. I am wearing four patches right now, and I plan on wearing them all day, every day until this burn heals. I will say the only downside is they slip off after the aloe has worn off! And it is a little bit hard to maneuver to cut since it is so slippery. But overall, I love this product and will be a forever customer!" —Nick

This set includes the net, a carrying case, and three balls. You and your partner have three hits to bounce or spike the ball into the net on the ground. Once the ball bounces up, it's the next team's turn. Whoever lets the ball hit the ground loses that round. It's designed for four players (two vs. two) and is recommended for players 12 years and older.

Promising reviews: "The kids love this. Easy to move and take to the beach or play in the backyard. They are entertained by this for awhile. Easy to learn and great for any age." —Kristin Kelly

"This is a well-built game that uses high-quality plastic to hold it in shape. There is a groove along the bottom that prevents the feet from twisting and falling over. The three balls included are also of high quality. Overall, I am extremely impressed with the entire set. Everything feels of the highest quality." —TheProfessor101

Promising review: "Every busy family needs this. We use it to carry our sports equipment, beach gear, and even our two young kids (1- and 3-years-old). The wheels are very sturdy. We've used it over grass and gravel, and it rolls without issue. The handle also extends out and it locks securely in place when not used. The whole cart also folds and unfolds easily and isn't too heavy when loading in and out of the car. I've seen this in stores, but it was a much better price here. Definitely recommend." —Jheneya

Get it from Amazon for $85.49+ (available in five colors).

Promising review: "These are the best goggles for kids to put on themselves. No hair pulling and no leaks around the eyes. Very clear lenses so my kids don’t mind wearing them. We buy the plain colors for swim team and the fun prints for an extra pair. Will continue to buy when we lose a pair, but they have been very durable and last more than one swim season." —Savvy shop

Get them from Amazon for $26.98 (available in two colors).

Promising review: "This is probably one of the best investments I have made regarding beach-going. I do not know how I was going about my beach days without having one of these brushes. Great product, strong bristles but soft enough for your skin/feet. I would recommend that anyone who goes to the beach, this should be a must-have just like an umbrella and chair." —VCTrojanDodger

Shakalo is a San Diego-based small business started to figure out a way to help people, especially parents remove sand before leaving the beach. The soft fabric pouch allows the powder to remove the sand without scattering everywhere.

Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there. This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1x–2x a week. I even use it on my dogs paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of. I will definitely be buying the refill and another bag to have exclusively in the car." —Gabbs Uresti

Promising review: "I wish I would've discovered this years ago. Going to the beach, having a clean water bowl for my dog has always been a challenge. This thing stays cold in the cooler and sand free. My boy loves drinking out of this and I highly recommend it if you've got a dog. Very compact and only takes up as much space as a taller bottle of water in your cooler. If they don't drink everything you've triggered it to dispense, just press the button and the water simply trickles back into the bottle. I love this thing!!" —Cindy T.

Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three sizes, an insulated version, and four colors). 

To assemble, lay it out, fill the corner pockets with sand or set in place with grass pegs, unfold the poles and prop 2–4 under the tent (depending on how many people are using it), and sit back and enjoy your beach day!

Promising review: "I’ve taken this everywhere with me when I go on beach vacations. The best purchase I've made. It blocks the UV rays, and the heat doesn’t go through. Fits perfect in my suitcase or as my carry-on backpack wherever I go. It is so easy to assemble, I can do it myself with my 10-year-old son." —Jeanette

Get it from Amazon for $89.95+ (available in three sizes and four colors).

Promising review: "I bought one for me and one for my dad after getting caught in a rip current at the beach. We feel much safer with the swim bubble. They are easy to blow up at the beach, easy to attach to the waist, very light and unobtrusive, and great to hold and float in the ocean. I feel much safer knowing I can grab onto it at any time and float if I get tired." —LD

Get it from Amazon for $29.95 (available in four colors and a version that comes with a dry bag for a phone, etc.).

AquaGuard is a small biz! Apply a generous amount to damp hair, wait 3–5 minutes, and jump on in!

Promising reviews: "Leaves my processed, blonde hair feeling soft and hydrated. No problems with chlorine green hair." —CR22

"I have thick blonde hair that goes to my mid-back. As a surfer, I try to keep it up in a top knot when I’m in the water, but the salt water still makes it so incredibly dry and tangled. I tried coconut oil and detanglers before getting in the water, but it’s a small step above nothing. Tried Aqua Guard this morning, and my hair combed right through after surfing. It was still soft and felt conditioned. Washing it in the shower was such a breeze because it’s usually a 10-15-minute fight with my hair. I highly HIGHLY recommend this!" —Breann Killman

Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (also available in a two-pack and a kit with multiple products).

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BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.