13 Items Under $30 That Will Make You Look And Feel Better
Alex E. Proimos/FlickrSummertime is like Kryptonite for finances.
Everywhere you turn, there are barbecues to attend, holiday sales to shop and sidewalk cafes just begging for your paycheck.
We are here to help. We've culled the shelves of retailers around the country (and beyond) to come up with a list of must-have products men and women should keep on hand for summer. They will keep you sunburn-, frizz-, and sweat-free from noon until night.
The best part: They won't break the bank. Each product is $30 or less – we promise!
1. Sunscreen that does all the work for you
Good ol' sunscreen is about as close as you can get to the fountain of youth in a bottle. Slather it on generously for full coverage (a full body serving would fill a shot glass). We picked tried and true brands that hold up in both heat and water.
For him: Coppertone Sport Stick Sunscreen SPF 55 ($4.79)
For her: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 45 ($12)
2. Deodorant that works all day
This one is a given. Who wants to be the smelly guy in the office? If sweat is your issue, be sure you're loading up on antiperspirant, specifically. They have chemicals that actually block your sweat glands from going haywire in heat.
For him: Dove Men+Care Cool Silver Antiperspirant 2.7 Oz ($3)
For her: Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant ($13)
3. Oil-blotting sheets for afternoon touch-ups
Anyone with oil-prone skin should keep a pack of oil blotting sheets on hand at all times. They're the perfect way to keep your face shine-free at the office or out on the town.
For him: Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets ($11)
For her: Palladio Oil Absorbing Rice Paper Tissues with Rice Powder ($3.99)
4. Powder to keep your feet fresh all day
If only we could wear flip-flops year-round. To keep your feet dry and blister-free from beating the streets in warm months, sprinkle some absorbent powder inside before heading out the door.
For him: Dry Goods Athletic Spray Powder ($10.50)
For her: Shower to Shower Island Fresh Body Powder ($3)
5. Sun-kissed skin without a side of melanoma
If you're land-locked and feeling left out of the tanning game or are simply looking for a healthier way to get a golden glow, invest in a good self-tanner. Good ones last up to a few days and won't turn you into a Lindsay Lohan lookalike. Pro tip: Blend well. And don't forget to wash your hands immediately after applying.
For him: Task Essentials Happy Face ($30)
For her: Rayito del Sol 2-in-1 Sport Bronzing Sunscreen w/ SPF 35 ($7.49)
6. Sun protection for your precious locks.
Yes, you read that right. Even your hair can get damaged and discolored by the sun. Treat it with a dose of SPF protection before heading out to ward off harmful rays.
For him: Paul Mitchell Color Protect Locking Spray ($13)
For her: Keratin Complex Straight Day Styling Spray ($24)
7. A pick-me up for your face
Going from scorching hot sidewalks to ice cold offices several times a day can be exhausting for your skin, especially your face. Every week or so, treat yourself to a quick at-home face mask. We're fans of DIY recipes like these, but in a pinch, you can find a decent mask at any drugstore.
For him: glotherapeutics Refreshing Mist Facial Liquid Cleansers ($13)
For her: Freeman Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask ($3)
8. Quick relief for dry, sore feet
Everyone is moving in summer and our feet can taking a beating. Treat them right at night with a healing repair cream. You'll soothe blisters and callouses in no time.
For him: Nu Skin Epoch Firewalker Foot Cream ($11)
For her: NightCare Heel Treatment Kit ($25)
9. A moisturizer with an SPF boost
There's no excuse to use moisturizer without SPF these days. There are so many options on the table it was almost impossible to pick our favorites. Try a few yourself to find the right consistency for your skin.
For him: Neutrogena Men® Triple Protect Face Lotion w/ SPF 20 ($6.99)
For her: Dr. Lewinn by Kenerase Instant Perfecting BB Cream w/ SPF 15 ($16)
10. Serum
Using a serum at night and in the morning is like getting a face lift without even trying. Your skin gets packed full of vitamins in a super-concentrated form, making it firmer, brighter and smoother all day.
For him: Clarins Men Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum ($30)
For her: Yes To Grapefruit Correct & Repair Dark Spot Erase Serum ($19.99)
11. Good grooming tools
If you're a man rocking a beard in 90-degree weather, more power to you. For the rest of you out there, keeping your shaving tools in good shape during seasons of heavy use is vital. And ladies, you don't have to steal your boyfriend's razor now that brands are starting to figure out ways to give a closer, longer-lasting shave than ever.
For him: Pacific Shaving Company Blade Oil ($9.99)
For her: Gillette Venus & Olay Razor ($10.99)
12. Lip balm with an SPF boost
Lips needs sun protection, too, so don't skimp on lip balms that lack SPF.
For him: Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 ($7.50)
For her: Yes to Carrots Sweet Fig Lip Butter SPF 15 ($3.49)
13. After-sun relief for your locks
When you're back from the beach and stuck ripping tangles out of your hair, it might be time for a hair mask. We love the way they repair damage while making hair super soft and manageable.
For him: Dove Intensive Repair Deep Repairing Mask ($3.99)
For her: L'Oreal Total Repair 5 Damage-Erasing Balm ($5)