​​Your Big, Bold, Gloriously Robust Summer Wish List

Summer is (almost) here, and with it come endless opportunities for outdoor activities, from beach days to pool parties to picnics and beyond. No matter how you choose to spend your time in the sunshine, whether you’re planning a sunny beach getaway, a relaxing day by the pool, or an aesthetic picnic in the park, having the right gear, accessories, and goodies can make all the difference.

From the best sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful rays to the coolest loungers to bring with you to the park, the right items can turn a good day into a great one. If you’re at the pool, you’ll need an easy-to-inflate pool float, and may we recommend our go-to beach cover-up and favorite waterproof mascara? For park hangs with friends, we’ve pulled our favorite finds to make packing a breeze. And that’s only the beginning.

Ahead, we curated a list of the must-have essentials for every summer activity. Complete with beauty favorites (hello, Amika), outdoor necessities (like bug spray), and everything in between, these items will get you ready to make the most of this season. Consider your summer wish list complete.

Beach Essentials

A cute swimsuit, a cooler filled with your favorite beverages, and a big umbrella are just a few important beach-day essentials. But all beauty buffs and beachgoers know the importance of a long-lasting sunscreen with high SPF — especially during the summer. Luckily, this Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 ($22) is one of the best (and most affordable) options on the market. Thanks to its high SPF rating and broad-spectrum protection, which guards against both UVA and UVB rays, you can rest easy knowing your skin will be protected. Plus, it’s formulated with soothing ingredients like green-tea extract and sunflower oil, making it gentle on the skin as well as ultra lightweight. What’s more, it’s water-resistant and has an eco-friendly formula that’s reef-safe, meaning you can enjoy a dip without harming your skin or the environment.

There’s no greater addition to a summer wardrobe than a beach cover-up, and this LSpace Down the Line Cover-Up ($139) is a must. It’s made with a lightweight, breathable fabric that’s comfortable on even the warmest of days. It also has a loose, flowy fit that makes it perfect for layering over swimsuits. The best part? It’s so versatile that it can be worn at the beach, to pool parties, and even to casual dinners.

Makeup on the beach is optional, but if you want to rock some light mascara, makeup artists and beauty editors can attest: the L’Oréal Telescopic Original Waterproof Mascara ($13) is the real deal. For starters, it’s lengthening without making eyelashes look spidery. On top of that, it’s buildable, which means you can add volume by layering as many times as you please. And in terms of its waterproof capabilities, it doesn’t run or get under your eyes when you swim. It’s also humidity-proof, which means it won’t leave smudges on your eyelids.

Keep your face shielded from the sun with this cute Crown Vintage Straw Crochet Bucket Hat ($30, originally $48). Complete with an open-weave design, this accessory features a silhouette with a curved brim and a rounded crown, ensuring you’ll get all the protection you need. Plus, it’s thin and lightweight, meaning you can toss it in your beach bag when you want to tan.

Pool-Party Go-Tos

The perfect pool day includes a large lawn chair to bask on, a cold pitcher of lemonade to sip on, and no shortage of sunshine. The cherry on top? A pool float, of course. These Joliyoou Inflatable Pool Floats ($36) are bestsellers on Amazon for a reason. This set of two floats (one green and one purple) is ideal for any pool party. Just inflate it yourself or with a tire pump, and you’ll be ready to float the day away. Once you’re done, deflate it and fold it up — it can fit just about anywhere.

Whether you’re drinking ice-cold beers or chilled seltzers, a koozie, like these Sinperne Beer Can Coolers ($15), is always a nice addition. This set from Amazon comes with 12 multicolored koozies, which are more than enough for a pool party. Just secure one on your can and sip away.

Of course, you’ll need a towel to dry off after taking a dip in the pool. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, the Pottery Barn Classic Awning Striped Towel ($40) is both soft and absorbent, meaning you’ll dry off easily after a dip in the pool. Plus, the yarn-dyed fiber has a nice bright color that holds its vibrancy over time, so you can wash it whenever you need to. Choose between a range of cool colors, including blue, pink, red, mint green, and more.

Park Picnic Must Haves

There’s nothing quite as sweet as an afternoon picnic, made complete by the perfect spot in a peaceful park and good company. Not to mention something to sit on. Made from 100 percent recycled polyester, this Hearth & Hand With Magnolia Checkered Plaid Picnic Blanket ($36) is perfect for any sunny day. Its soft fabric is machine-washable, so you can toss it in the wash after a day at the park. Plus, it has a foldable design with tote handles that make it easy to carry and store. And just look at how cute that baby-blue checkered pattern is.

Fight the humidity that’s bound to hit while sitting in the hot sun with Amika’s The Shield Anti-Humidity Spray ($30). It’s a lightweight spritz that works to combat frizz and humidity while protecting against heat and UV rays, so you can keep your hair free of damage and dullness.

Listen, if you’re sitting outside in the summer, there’s a chance mosquitoes are around. To ward them off, we suggest using a powerful bug repellent, like the Off Deep Woods Insect Repellent ($7). Spray it on your skin and you’ll be bug-bite free. Pro tip: if you’re having a picnic, spray it on the grass under and around your blanket — this will keep bugs far, far away.

The perfect picnic needs a picnic basket that’s filled with all the essentials. Luckily, the Picnic Time Piccadilly Picnic Basket ($68) from Amazon is just that. Inside, you’ll find two melamine plates and acrylic wine glasses that securely strap to the lid, flatware for two in a roll-up pouch (including forks, knives, and spoon), and a waiter-style corkscrew. Just add wine and cheese and you’ll be good to go.

Lauren Harano is a contributor for PS and was an editor for the living, beauty, and commerce departments. She’s a Southern California native turned New Yorker with a passion for skin care, murder mysteries, and online shopping. Her work can be found in the pages of Cosmopolitan and Seventeen as well as online from InStyle, Esquire, NBC, and various food and travel sites.