7 must-have items and gadgets to stay cool during summer, from hands-free fans to cooling body wipes to your very own shaved ice machine
- Fighting Hong Kong’s sticky and humid summer heat is no easy feat, so here is our curated list of seven must-haves for your cooling pleasure
- A neck fan keeps your hands free for other things; body wipes help give you a quick refresh; while a shaved ice machine gives you fluffy shaved ice in minutes
The Hong Kong Observatory recently announced the first “very hot weather” warning of the year, which means that summer is well and truly upon us.
With all these in your arsenal – from fun gadgets to sweat-wicking clothes – you will be beating the heat in no time.
1. Neck fan
Forget portable mini fans – this hands-free, rechargeable contraption will give you a balanced, cooling breeze from either side of your neck as you go about your day.
With so many versions on the market with different designs, power settings and battery life, you are bound to find something that works for you.
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A bladeless version, best for those with long hair, will give you 360-degree air movement while moonlighting as an accessory with its headphone-like appearance.
Others can turn into portable desk fans, with flexible arms that allow you to change the direction of airflow.
To add flair to your look, check out the ones with built-in rainbow LED lights, which will keep you looking good even amid sweltering heat.
Available at Fortress, HKTV Mall, Log-on and Amazon.
2. Uniqlo Airism line
Uniqlo is known for its Heattech thermal range, but the brand’s summer equivalent, Airism, is just as effective.
The line of tops, bottoms, underwear, loungewear and even bedding feature ultrafine fibres that wick moisture and diffuse sweat, keeping you dry from day until night.
Available at Uniqlo.
3. Sport-brella
Perfect for days out on the beach, Sport-brella sells reimagined umbrellas with UPF50+ – the highest possible sun protective rating for fabrics – to shade you from the sun’s rays.
The brand’s compact “versa-brella” (US$27 and up) features a 360-degree swivel, and comes with a clamp that attaches to your beach chair so that it does not fly away in the wind.
Meanwhile, the larger “premiere” version (US$80 and up) includes side panels for additional privacy, pockets to store items, zippered windows for airflow and an adjustable pole to ensure it stays secure.
The umbrella also anchors in grass and dirt, so you can take it with you to sporting events, concerts, parks and on camping trips.
Available at Amazon.
4. Gatsby body wipes
Called “ice-type deodorant body wipes” (HK$30 or US$4 for 30 pieces), this product from Gatsby is an ideal on-the-go solution for when you need a speedy refresh.
Each wipe is large enough for the whole body, and the “refreshing antiperspirant wipes” in particular feature a transparent, absorbent body powder that keeps the body clean and dry.
Available at Mannings, Watsons, Sasa and Bonjour stores.
5. Facial ice globes
The age-old tradition of using ice cubes and metal spoons to de-puff your face now has multiple modern iterations, such as these facial ice globes.
To use them, put the globes in your freezer for at least an hour to chill before rolling them on your freshly washed face.
The cold globes guarantee a refreshing sensation while providing skincare benefits like improving lymphatic drainage and reducing the appearance of swelling.
Unlike other facial tools, these globes are specially designed for cold temperatures, which means they will not crack in the freezer.
Available at Fraîcheur, MonétBeauty and Aceology.
6. Shaved ice machine
With an at-home shaved ice machine, you can have fluffy shaved ice on your table in minutes.
Inexpensive machines come with a manual handle, while electric versions allow you to avoid the elbow grease. Don’t forget to go wild with the syrups!
Available at Fortress and Amazon.
7. Inflatable drink holder
Long gone are the days when you need to ditch your drink at the poolside or beach mat before jumping in the water. With these inflatable drink holders, you can take your drink with you without having to worry about a sudden wave toppling it over.
The floating coasters come in a multitude of fun designs, including doughnuts, mermaids, ducks and flamingos – a perfect accompaniment to your larger, life-size inflatables.
Plus, when the party is over, the drink holders can also be used as bath toys.
Available at HKTVMall and Amazon.