This summer essentials guide is part of our Shop The Street series. Our editors curate collections of new and noteworthy products (and let you know why you should add to cart). Just know that when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Tap for more info.
Follow FLEETSTREET on Instagram and TikTok.
Bugs making you rethink your packing list of bikinis and shorts? Hungover after a late night of Jello-shots and gabbing, but you can’t sleep in because you have horseback riding booked for 8 a.m.? (Who planned that btw?!) Awkward evening after the high-maintenance one of the group snapped at your super sweet bestie? Do not worry. Protect your fun with this girls’ weekend emergency kit – no matter who is on the invite list.
Listen up. This isn’t for 911 situations or anything that will impact anyone’s health or life. Trust the Government of Canada’s emergency kit checklist for that. This list from FLEETSTREET is about protecting your fun, so you can have the best weekend of the summer, if not year or your life!
Saje Extra Strength Pain Relieving Remedy, $69, at saje.ca
Code Red: You hiked a little too hard
Now, you don’t have to admit to your friends that you’ve slipped on your Pilates workouts recently. Sore muscles, a.k.a. DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), are a sign that you’ve challenged yourself so be proud of these aches. But don’t let that keep you from the weekend’s agenda.
The solution: Give sore quads some relief, thanks to sweet birch, peppermint, and clove. Just roll on the skin and massage into your muscles.
A daily walk: On the path to a better life.
Sarna But Bite Patches, $16, at amazon.ca.
Code Red: Bug bites are compromising your cottage core
When you imagined yourself laying on the dock, you didn’t picture bumps all over your legs and arms, which is why you packed bikinis, shorts and tanks. But fear not. You don’t have to run out to grab sweats at the general store.
The solution: Thanks to zit patches and Band-Aids, it’s part of our culture to wear a spot treatment. So, don’t sweat the itch and let the soothing ingredients of aloe, witch hazel and chamomile do their work on bug bites.
Could you have eczema and not know? Check for these signs.
Garnier Fructis Diamond Sleek Shine Coat Smoothing Spray, $11, amazon.ca.
Code Red: There’s a lineup for the shower
Travelling with the gals has its perks, but sharing a bathroom isn’t one of them (except for spotting the newest mascara). If you find yourself at the bottom of the shower chain, consider what you would do on a lazy Saturday at home: Chin up and pull your hair back.
The solution: This smoothing spray contains argan oil and keratin to make hair soft – not that post-pool crunchiness. And that shine makes your quick ’do feel clean.
How to perfect the sleeked-back bun.
Philosophy Body & Hair Fragrance Mist in Coconut, $35, at shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Code Red: Campfire smoke alarm
From s’mores to fireside chats, the smokey scent is iconic Canadian long weekend vibes. But in your hair and clothes, it becomes olfactory fatigue. But most perfumes can be drying to your locks, but not this one.
The solution: Keep the summery scent with a coconut flavour. And this 24-hour mist contains hydrating glycerin and niacinamide that are good for your body and your coif.
The Lazy Girl’s Guide to summer essentials.
La Rosée Gentle Face Scrub, $27, at shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Code Red: Peeling nose
The combination of sun, heat, sweat, pond water and more showers than your usual routine, can take a toll on the skin. (If you’re bougie enough for a cottage with AC, then you’ll likely notice dry skin sooner!) When your hydration game wasn’t part of your packing strategy, then cleansing should be. Think about the state of your skin like a broken ego. It needs something gentle, supportive and will boost its confidence.
The solution: For light peeling and dehydrated skin, a gentle scrub may be the answer. Formulated with natural jojoba wax beads (not plastic!), this mild cleanser buffs away dead skin to leave a glow.
How often should you get a facial? How many days before an event gets you that glow?
Sunii Energy Gum, $6, at well.ca.
Code Red: This girls’ weekend is – it’s only Saturday morning
Of course you’re going to be up late, gabbing and gossiping. That’s the whole point of getting away. But there’s always someone in the group who’s planning everything on the agenda, including bathroom breaks. Instead of skipping that 8 a.m. dock yoga session, horseback trail ride or paddle-board lessons, get energized.
The solution: Chew your way to a more vibrant mood. Each piece contains a quick boost of 50 milligrams of caffeine.
The best drinks in Canada – that aren’t “pop”!
Life Brand After Sun Aloe Vera Gel, $5, at shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Code Red: You forgot to reapply sunscreen
Don’t let awkward tan lines and redness bring you down. It happens to the best of us, even those preaching from the SPF altar. Consider this proof of a weekend spent outdoors. But take care of that skin – stat.
The solution: Sun-damaged skin screams for relief. It wants coolness and immediate hydration. And, thankfully, aloe does both with this after-care lotion.
The negative effects of the sun on your skin.
Jiaia travel LED mirror, $30, at walmart.ca.
Code Red: Cabin bad lighting
While we can expect a boutique hotel in NYC to have a full-glam back-lit LED mirror, the cabin you booked on Airbnb likely doesn’t. Instead of screaming at your eyeliner to do better, lighten up.
The solution: Take things into your own hands, and in your own bag, with a mirror that frames your face with light. Tuck it on the nightstand and it doubles as a reading light, too.
What to add to your beauty routine this summer.
Torriden Dive In Mask (pack of 10), $32, at shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Code Red: Cabin fever and hormones
We have all been there. A weekend away with the girls can go from 36 to 72 hours. That’s a long time, even for the best of friends. Before anyone with a “cunty little bob” can admit to supporting Trump, tension can arise at the cottage. (Also, how long must we wait until the next season of The White Lotus!?) So, you need time to retract and distract. A party mix of face masques and a bottle of bubbly you secretly brought. FYI: This also works for rainy days, too.
The solution: This set has 10 masques, so you can do the spa-night-in thing a few times if you like (depending on the number of GFs with you at the ol’ cottage). The non-greasy, moisturizing and vegan formula of these sheet masques ensures even the pickiest of skin-care snobs should enjoy the results.
How do skin and makeup balms work.
Girls’ weekend emergency kit is about having fun
You may have noticed a theme here. The solution to any girls’ weekend kerfuffle is about pushing forward, embracing your time with your friends (low-tier and secondary ones, too), and prioritizing fun over anything else. So, while these things are good-to-haves, they only really work if you have bring along a fun mindset.