My Summer Survival Favorites: Pale, Bug-Bitten & Chasing Toddlers Edition

If your summer looks like mine—pale skin that burns in five seconds, two wiggly kids who act like sunscreen is lava, and a deeply personal vendetta against mosquitoes—then welcome, friend. You’re in the right place.

Every year, I try a few new things to make summer a little less chaotic and a lot more comfortable. Below are the products I genuinely love, use, and keep coming back to. Whether you’re fighting sunburns, chasing toddlers, or just trying to keep your thighs from rebelling in the heat, there’s something in here for you.

1. Mineral Powder 50 SPF – This is my MVP. I dust it on the part in my hair and use it for quick sun protection touch-ups on my kids. It’s not a substitute for full sunscreen, but it’s great for top-offs throughout the day—especially on the go.
2. B-Tan Tanning Mousse – My sister-in-law turned me on to this last year and I’m never going back. It is such a beautiful and even tan for my pale girlies.
3. Body Tanning Brush – This is what I use to apply the tanning mousse—smooth, even, and no orange palms.
4. After Bite – This is the only thing I’ve found that soothes my mosquito bites without them opening up. I apply a dab, slap on a bandaid, and I’m good. The kids’ version is just as great.
5. Sunscreen Applicator – I hate applying sunscreen. Add two kids and a husband’s back to the mix? A nightmare. This roll-on sponge applicator makes it so much easier—and way less messy.
6. Self tan sleep sack – If you sleep in your self-tanner (hi, it’s me), this will protect your sheets from streaks and stains. Game-changer.
7. Powerful Portable Mini Fan – This one’s flat and fits easily in a purse or belt bag. Essential for sweltering playground sessions or long outdoor events.
8. Back lotion applicator – The easiest way to apply self-tanner to your back. No help needed, even coverage every time.
9. Mosquito Repellent – ¾ of my household are mosquito magnets, but this is the only spray that’s actually making a difference for us this year. A must-have.
10. Megababe Thigh Rescue and Bust Dust– Chafing and sweating? Not on my watch. These are non-negotiables for me in the summer heat. I’m also trying their new Body Dust this season!

Whether you’re navigating playgrounds, backyard BBQs, or just trying to survive the season with your skin (and sanity) intact, I hope this list helps make your summer a little more bearable—and maybe even enjoyable.

If you have a product you swear by, I’d love to hear about it. Drop it in the comments or shoot me a message—I’m always on the hunt for new summer sanity savers.