The official start to summer is mere days away which means it's time to stock up on all the latest trending products for fun in the sun. Whether you're searching for makeup with SPF to wear to the beach or splurge-worthy seafood for a family clambake, we're here to help.
Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach stopped by the 3rd Hour of TODAY to play a game of "Buy or Bye" where she revealed the hottest summer trends (and the ones that need to go). From a beginner's crochet kit to a lightweight serum skin tint, we've got everything you'll need to avoid any summertime sadness.
Even though we said goodbye to flip flops, those refusing to let them go can still opt for comfort with this expert-recommended pair from Archies.
Keep scrolling to score what made the cut, along with additional trendy finds. And don't forget to subscribe to the Shop TODAY YouTube channel for all the latest and greatest shopping content.
Must buys according to Shop TODAY editors, seen on TODAY
Foundation serums
"We spoke to celebrity makeup artists who said serum foundations allow you to treat your skin while having full foundation coverage," says Brach. "Many have an extra benefit of sunscreen, which is a bonus."
Commerce writer Emma Stessman is a big fan of this lightweight skin tint and noted that it's great for her dry skin. This liquid formula contains zinc oxide, plant-based squalane, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump skin. It is also dermatologist-tested and free of fragrances, according to the brand.
Plus, TODAY readers can save 20% off on the brand's site with code TODAY until June 18!
More foundation serums to try this summer:
- L'Oreal Paris True Match Nude Hyaluronic Tinted Serum, $14.97 (was $19.99)
- Versed Multi-Serum Skin Tint SPF 40, $19.99
Tubing mascara
Tubing mascaras are averaging 137K searches per month, according to Google Trends. Videos of people easily removing tubing mascara from their lashes with water (in just one swipe) have even gone viral on TikTok.
Experts have previously told Shop TODAY that tubing mascaras "are great for someone who has oily eyelids and wants something that is water-resistant, yet gentle on the eyes."
This tubing mascara is a steal at only $7. Not only is it clump-and flake-free, it also is super lightweight and smudge-proof, according to the brand. This budget-friendly mascara promises long-lasting lashes and is enriched with jojoba seed oil.
More tubing mascaras to try this summer:
- Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara, $26
- Merit Clean Lash Lengthening Tubing Mascara, $26
- Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara, $28
Grandma hobbies
Earlier this year, Pinterest shared data that showed the grandma aesthetic was trending in both fashion and hobbies. They specifically saw an increase in search terms for “bonnets,” “needlepoint items, “needlepoint canvas” and “knit bandanas.” Crochet, believe it or not, was even searched over 135,000 times last week, Brach noted.
This bestselling crochet kit is perfect for those 12+ looking to learn a new hobby this summer. Complete with a step-by-step video tutorial and pre-started crochet piece, this popular kit is ideal for beginners. From Pierre the Penguin to Felix the Fox, shoppers can choose from eight fun creatures to buy.
More Grandma hobbies to try this summer:
- “Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners,” by Tammie Wylie, $9.01 (was $16.99)
- Watercolor paint set, $19.99 (was $35.99)
Sardines
"The tinned fish craze on TikTok peaked in 2023, but it still seems to be going strong," explains Brach. "Search interest in sardines has now reached a record high this month." Our Shop TODAY team is evenly divided on this trend, so we're calling it a tie.
Craving some seafood? Look no further than these Fishwife Sardines with Preserved Lemon. It comes in a pack of three and is hand-packed in Galicia, Spain with extra virgin olive oil. Pair this tasty treat with crackers or toss into a nutritious salad for a summery vibe.
“I love anything that finds a way to work preserved lemon into the mix," says senior editor Jess Bender. "It adds such a bright, intense complexity to any dish it’s incorporated into. Fishwife’s sardines act as a rich, flaky complement to all of the citrus flavors that shine through. My preferred way of eating them is stacked on top of some garlicky toast with a smear of ricotta!”
If you prefer something spicy, Fishwife also offers sardines with hot pepper. According to the brand, they are “responsibly wild-caught off the coast of Cornwall, England.”
More sardines and sardine-related items for summer:
- J.Crew Factory Tin Fish Graphic Tee, $16.50
- Sardines Beach Tote Bag, $17.99
- Anthropologie Fish Charm Huggie Hoop Earrings, $38
Meet the expert
- Adrianna Brach is the editorial director at Shop TODAY, with over a decade of experience as an editor covering beauty, fashion and shopping.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We consult with experts, like Brach, to provide a list of reputable products (in this case, trending products for summer). We also comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
