20 Low-Effort Beauty Products For Sweaty Summer Beauty

Because there is only so much you can do to fight the humidity.

1. An cutie octopus-shaped blackhead remover can exfoliate your skin, helping you deal with all sorts of blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores. Now that you're sweating around the clock, they seem to be popping up a bit more these days. 

Promising review: "After just two days of use, this adorable little octopus has done wonders for me, smells great too. Here's how I used it: I wore down the stick just a little to where the texture from the salt is visible, scrubbed around on my face so there was plenty of product, then I used my fingers to gently massage all the gunk away. Rinse, pat dry, and enjoy the softness. Highly recommended for people with sensitive skin like myself."

2. Corsx Acne Pimple Master Patches that'll attack and help flatten out painful blemishes that tend to pop up more in sweaty summer weather. They suck out the gunk without irritating your skin around the blemish like drying treatments.

Promising review: "Omg, where has this been my whole life? Why did nobody talk about hydrocolloid patches when I was a teen? These truly do shrink your pimples (as long as it is an open or popped one). I just put one on before bed and by morning, voilà! All that's left is a small bump, if anything at all. I seriously couldn't believe my eyes. (All those years of suffering from acne! I'm in my thirties now with hormonal acne, btw.) These are magic!" 

3. An I Dew Care "Tap Secret" mattifying powder shampoo to tackle greasy roots without the aerosol formula. I've been packing this for flights where I carry on only and this little puff is EFFECTIVE. Like, I went to New Orleans recently in late May with a blowout I was trying to make last. This kept my oily roots matte again! It's LEGIT. 

Promising review: "I was looking for a dry shampoo that would be easy to use on the go for a trip I was taking. I had no issues taking this through TSA and it was so easy to use on the go. You literally just pat the poof on your scalp and then rub the powder in. I do have black hair so dry shampoo is usually very visible in my hair, but I didn't have any harder time than usual rubbing this powder in. It did a really good job of soaking up all the oil and giving my hair volume. I'm not a fan of the price for the amount that you get, but it is lasting longer than I thought it would. I would definitely recommend and will purchase again."

4. A stick of Gold Bond Friction Defense can stop chafing caused by sweat before it even starts. It's sooo good and better than any other competitor in the thigh-saving category. But really. I have thick thighs and swear by it!

My colleague Ciera Velarde is a huge fan! Here's what she has to say: 

"I've used it for about 12 years now and it's the only thing that I can trust to prevent that dreaded chafing after a sweaty day of walking around. It glides on perfectly, it's unscented, and it doesn't melt away when you start to sweat. If it's a particularly hot day out, it can start to fade after a few hours, so just make sure to bring it with you to reapply. In addition to preventing chafing between my thighs, I've also applied it on my arms where my sports bra rubs against them when I run and it works like a charm!"

Promising review: "Whoooo sometimes I feel as if a fire is going to start between my fat thighs, but with this stuff they just glide right on by each other, it has been a summer life saver. Only thing is you have to pack it on and reapply maybe 4 hours in, so bring it along for the ride. I will be buying again."

5. *Solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen that'll really stick to your skin on your tropical (or just plain sweaty) vacation. Oh, and because it's a solid, it's carry-on–friendly!

I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation two years ago when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too. Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on, including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning...I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen. But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works. 

And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination. 

Promising review: "I bought this right before a Florida beach trip this month. Of course after a long winter, the Florida sun can be very intense and concerning. I use this on my face. It doesn’t break me out and has perfect coverage. Twice applied during a 3-hour beach outing, did not burn at all. After a few days of this routine, my face is perfectly bronzed." 

6. A Revlon volcanic stone face roller to remove oil and shine from your face. And unlike oil-blotting sheets, the ball can be popped out and washed so you can use this over and over and over again.

Promising review: "First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. Not only is it affordable, but it's also washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful. It felt like the holy grail had been delivered to my front doorstep. After my first use, I was in love. Now, it doesn't pick up everything but it does make it more matte and gives you a natural look. I am so excited this product exists and I already feel more confident." 

7. *Though* if you can never break up with the OGs, a pack of blotting papers is one of those skincare products you'll always find room for in your bag or pocket. (I know I do! And specifically buy this brand's in bulk over and over again.) 

Promising review: "I've had oily skin my whole life and used countless types of oil blotting sheets because they're lifesavers. THESE ARE AMAZING. Great deal, big sheets, and they pull out one at a time so easily. Give these a try — completely worth it. They work well and are easy to use." 

8. A buildable Electric Glow Stick lipstick that won't transfer or weigh down your lips like matte lippies. Its pH technology adapts to your perfect rosy shade. (And you can even use it as a blush if you want!)

Promising review: "Beautiful color lipstick that looks great with my skin tone. Not too bright but a rosy color that I love." 

9. A pack of clinical-strength SweatBlock wipes could come in handy for hyperhidrosis, nervous sweating, and hormonal sweating any time of the year. But if summer really makes all that rear its ugly head, it's worth a try. You can apply it to your pits for bed and it's made to work for up to seven days. 

This stuff is STRONG so make sure you do a spot test first — especially if you have sensitive skin.

Promising review: "For anyone who might be skeptical, please allow me to put you at ease. If you have hyperhidrosis, meaning it can be 9 degrees outside and you're still sweating under your arms, this product has the potential to change your life. I would sweat THROUGH a sport coat before noon. Enter the Sweat Block product. I've had it for three weeks and it is life changing. I DO NOT sweat under my arms anymore. I'm still on the original box that I bought three weeks ago. I had to write a review after I was cleaning the garage today in 85-degree heat. I was sweating through my shirt on my back — BUT NOT MY UNDERARMS. It is amazing!" 

10. Coola Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist With SPF 30 because, yes, the skin on your scalp also deserves a layer of protection! Besides, we're leaving itchy, red hair parts in 2022. And have you ever tried to use regular SPF on your hair part? Sometimes it really turns into a greasy mess. 

Promising review: "So I'm fair-skinned and red-headed. Sunscreen is my signature scent! This is a great spray, and I use it only on my ears. Just small enough to carry around in my purse, and a fine spray that's perfect for such a small portion of my body. I won't ever go without it again." 

11. A set of sunscreen reminder stickers to pair with your body sunscreen so there's someone besides you and your pal who're wading in the waves to remind you that, uh, yes, you do need to reapply! Oh and they last for 12 hours. (Yes, they REALLY stick.) Once a sticker turns colors, it's time to reapply. 

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 seeing 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."

12. SOL by Jergens Deeper by the Drop Self Tanning Drops will easily combine with your moisturizer to help pale folks develop a ~glow~ overnight instead of going with a more intense at-home self-tanning option.

Promising review: "Works better than all the high-end products I have tried. Would definitely recommend!! It does have a strong 'self tanner' smell, but I personally don't mind that. This picture is after letting it develop overnight."

13. A Vanicream clinical strength anti-perspirant that'll be perfect for people with sensitive skin who also want their pits to stay dry. That describes me to a T. I wore this stuff in nearly 100-degree weather and high humidity in Grand Cayman in July last year while exploring the Crystal Caves. Afterward my clothes looked and felt like I'd gone swimming, but my pits stayed odor-free and dry. (I also may or may not have gotten heat stroke that day.) Nothing short of a miracle!

Promising review: "I recently developed a serious reaction to antiperspirants. My underarms would break out in a horrible, painful red rash. So I tried different 'natural deodorants.' They did not break out my underarms, but they didn't really work! So I tried Vanicream after reading several reviews. IT WORKS!! My underarms don't break out, and it works as well as any antiperspirant/deodorant on the market. After my first order, I ordered two more. Couldn't be more relieved and happy to find this product!!"

14. Carpe Antiperspirant Hand Lotion for anyone who suffers from constantly sweaty hands. It's recommended by dermatologists and the reviews are FULL of believers.

Promising review: "I’ve been pretty impressed with this cream. I have hyperhydrosis which mostly affects my hands and feet. I take an oral medication fort condition but I still have sweating sometimes which is why I decided to try this lotion. I’ve been using this product mostly on my feet about three times a week for a little over a month now. This cream has a slight smell but it’s nothing awful at all. I’ve noticed a little bit goes a long way. Before bed I put the cream on the bottoms on my feet. It doesn’t really leave any residue. It almost makes my feet instantly feel dry. I have definitely noticed that it helps maintain minimal sweating without any crazy side effects. I’ve also used this on my hands as well. This is a product that actually does help with my hyperhidrosis and I’ll definitely be ordering more when I run out!"

15. Lavilin Foot Deodorant Cream because you can't forget about your poor sweaty feet too! This sensitive skin-friendly formula is made to last up to seven days. 

Promising review: "If you have sweaty feet there is nothing on the market better than Lavilin. I've tried everything and this stuff is the only product that actually works. My feet use to sweat and smell. Not anymore!" 

16. A hair finishing stick in case you're going for that sleek look for your quite dirty hair you're rocking in a high pony for the day. This stuff is basically just a mascara wand you use to brush natural plant oils onto your hair to smooth down everything.

Promising review: "I have super fine hair with lots of breakage. No matter how I put my hair up I have bad flyaways. This stuff is great! So easy and it stays better and looks smoother than stiff hair spray." 

17. ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starr 'Til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray in case you have a lot of requirements for your made-up look. Like, you wanna actually dip in the pool but stay looking matte while you lounge poolside beforehand.

Promising review: "This setting spray locks my make up in, great for menopausal women too cause the makeup doesn't fade off. I sweat on my forehead and nose area and my makeup stays on all day." 

18. OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Air Dry Cream for a great, affordable scrunch-and-go option with legions of fans to back up that claim. 

Promising review: "I put some in my hair for the first time today and I'm impressed! I towel dried my hair and then put about a quarter size in my palm and spread throughout my hair, scrunched my hair, and then let it air dry. I think it did a good job at defining my waves and eliminating the serious frizz." 

19. A European Wax Center ingrown hair mist with a super steady, continuous spray that'll deliver the formula of AHA and BHAs to gently exfoliate your skin and prevent ingrown hairs. It takes a few mere minutes to let it air dry. I should know. I'm a devotee!

As you can see from the pic, it's super easy to spray even when the bottle is held upside, making it easy to spray 360 even when you have very little time post-shower. 

20. Or if you prefer a product you can swipe on with a cotton pad Tend Skin Solution is a more or less magical product to help erase razor irritation and ingrown hairs. The last thing you wanna worry about is irritation on your pits when you're just trying to pack for the beach. 

Promising review: "This product has worked GREAT on my armpits where I had big, painful, inflamed hair follicles for YEARS! I use a Dollar Shave razor now, changed every couple of weeks with Tend Skin after every shower and before deodorant. Miracles! I have noticed less of a difference on razor burn and ingrown hairs in other areas, however."

21. Kaia Naturals The Sweat Powder Sakura Blossom will pair well with natural deo in that it helps absorb sweat and keeps you smelling sweet throughout the day. It's especially great to travel with or throw in your gym bag. This talc-free formula is inspired by athletic chalk. 

Promising review: "I bought this on a whim. I have not been disappointed. It is great for extra freshness on a hot day. A gym bag must."

22. Rimmel Stay Matte Mattifying Primer to give you a smooth finish that'll stay that way for so much longer.

Promising review: "This product works!! I have extremely oily skin which means my face is super shiny within minutes of applying foundation. The second photo is without primer, a few hours after applying foundation….you can see all the shine on my forehead. The first photo is with primer six hours after applying foundation….hardly any shine! I believe in the product so much that I gave a tube to my friend who also has oily skin and she absolutely loved it and uses it now! For the price, you can beat it compared to the expensive brands that are way more expensive and only a fraction of the size."