This Surprising Retailer Should Be Your Summer-Vacay Style Headquarters
Spoiler alert: It's Walmart.
After you've thrown down for flights and hotels, spending even more cash on vacation 'fits, manis, and makeup may feel like a lil much on the wallet. Not to worry: Walmart has all the fashion and beauty picks needed for a cal that's stacked with summer plans.
Yes, you read that right. Wander from the expansive grocery aisles and electronics section and you'll find Walmart's shelves stocked with suitcase essentials as well, like a water-resistant sunscreen you'll actually want to apply and a colorful beach bag with enough room for snacks, beverages, and games, plus selfie-worthy outfits (like the sweetest cherry-print bikini and perfect post-beach going-out dress) and countless other summer-travel needs and wants.
To help you get a jump-start on your packing list for your next destination, we've rounded up 15 vacay-ready items from Walmart—that you'd never guess each cost $40 or less.
An eyelet bikini is key for a coquette summer. The top and bottoms are sold separately but at less than $15 a piece, making them a better deal than most sets.
Looking for a swimsuit with more coverage and support? Try this one-piece: With a plunging neckline and midriff cutout, it's the ideal mix of comfy and sexy.
These slide-on sandals may look like they were made by a coveted designer brand, but they'll run you a fraction of the price.
Pack everything you need for a beach day, from a relaxing read to a speaker, sunscreen, and snacks in this brightly patterned bag.
Summer isn't fully summer-ing without a pair of classic jean shorts. These come in lots of classic washes and patterns so you can mix up your casual ‘fits.
Your new favorite dress is here at Walmart. We love this artful, blurred floral print, available in shades of purple and red and yellow and green.
Matching sets are key when you're putting together quick but stylish outfits for traveling. This bright crochet duo is as perfect for road trips as it is as a beach coverup.
Afraid of spending too much on sunglasses you might lose or break? Yeah, us too. That's why we're sticking to this under-$15 pair all summer long (well, hopefully!).
Avoid the hassle and the price of a lash-extension appointment with these easy-to-apply clusters. You don't even need eyelash glue—just snap them in place for 24-hour-wear.
Get continuous UV protection with this water-resistant sunscreen mist's 360-degree nozzle. Bonus: The bottle is refillable, so you can restock before every trip.
Dry lips have no place on your vacation. This lip oil glides on with a non-sticky, hydrating finish and a sheer tint of color.
This palette has all the powders you need to create a full look fast: three eyeshadows, two blushes, one highlighter, and one bronzer. Pictured here is the Medium to Deep colorway, but there’s also an option for light to medium complexions.
We all know how pool and ocean water can wreak havoc on our hair. Avoid dryness and tangles with a moisturizing travel-size shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in treatment.
This wide-toothed brush quickly detangles your hair and makes it easy to slick into an on-trend, nighttime-ready bun after a swim.
These pearly almond-shaped press-ons can stay on for up to two weeks—basically the same amount of time as your standard gel mani.
Ariel Wodarcyk is a freelance beauty and wellness writer based in New York City. Her work has appeared in Cosmo, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Popsugar, and Makeup.com. Outside of work, you can find her hunting down signature scents for loved ones and scouring PerfumeTok.
Shop CVS' Truly Epic Beauty Sale
Target Has the Cutest Athleisure Sets Right Now
Cosmo Loves: e.l.f.’s Under-$10 Styling Products
A Strand-by-Strand Guide to e.l.f. Hair
The Best Walmart Products for a Glow This Spring
L’Oréal Professional's New Academy Has Me Considering a New Career
My Honest Review of The Matrix Treatment for Post-Acne Marks
Gift Swap? Here's What to Grab Last Minute