I Shop Amazon for a Living, and Here’s What I’m Buying From Its 2025 Memorial Day Sale From $5

If you’re planning to stock up on summer essentials, now is a great time to do some shopping.

Amazon launched its massive Memorial Day sale with thousands of deals across all of its departments. As one of Real Simple’s longtime shopping editors and its resident Amazon expert, I know these big sales are the ideal time to stock up on what you need for the season ahead. I’m planning to grab a few of my favorite finds and get everything I’ve been eyeing for summer, like sunscreen, a bucket hat, and beach chairs, that are now discounted up to 70 percent off.
Bucosd Small Gym Bag
My gym bag has seen better days, so I’m upgrading to this compact yet roomy option. I don’t need a large, bulky gym bag, and this smaller style has plenty of room for what I tend to bring: a water bottle, sweatshirt, chapstick, wallet, and a few other small items. I love that it comes with several straps, allowing me to carry it as a shoulder or crossbody bag.

Helinox Collapsible Beach Chair
This lightweight chair is a game changer for those who, like me, hate carrying loads of heavy stuff to the beach. It weighs just 3 pounds and can easily fit into a tote bag thanks to its frame that breaks down into a few slim bars. I’ve been bringing it to the beach and my local park for years, and it still looks brand new. I’m getting a second to gift my partner so he’ll have a comfy chair to enjoy by the sea, too.

Hzeyn Cotton Bucket Hat
I love the look of a straw hat, but the structure makes them tricky to pack, so I’m grabbing this 100 percent cotton bucket hat that I can roll up and throw in my beach bag or suitcase. I’m getting it in beige, but it’s available in seven other colorways.

E.l.f. Cosmetics Skin All Set for Sun SPF 45 Setting Spray
While it’s been easy to incorporate sun protection into my skincare and makeup routine (I’m partial to this tinted sunscreen that I use in lieu of foundation), reapplying throughout the day has been a challenge. Typical sunscreen lotions—and even powders—tend to ruin my carefully applied blush and bronzer, but this setting spray doesn’t. It’s designed to help keep makeup in place while providing sun protection.

Maybelline Brow Ultra Slim Defining Eyebrow Pencil
I recently invested in an eyebrow pencil that costs four times as much as this one, and it left me feeling underwhelmed by its look and longevity. I’m back to this affordable option, which blends into my brows easily and lasts all day.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
An esthetician recently recommended I swap my $100 exfoliating pads for this now-$28 liquid exfoliant. They encouraged me to use it twice a day to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells, which can trap acne-causing bacteria. After a month of consistent use, my skin is now completely clear and glowing. And to my surprise, I haven’t experienced any irritation on my sensitive skin. A “holy grail for clearing pores,” it lives up to the hype, so I’m getting another bottle while it’s marked down.

And these Amazon deals are just the start. My favorite flat-laying travel beauty bag, go-to laundry booster, and the cleaner I use to deep clean my couch are all on sale this holiday weekend.