Having a carefree day at the beach actually requires some planning ahead of time. You don’t want to get caught on the sand without your essentials.
Here’s our list of 9 favorite beach bag items to keep you looking and feeling fabulous on the sand and in the surf.
Sunscreen
Don’t leave home without it! For a long day at the beach you want to make sure you’re fully stocked with your favorite sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours if you’re sitting on the beach, and every 40 – 80 minutes if you’re swimming.
Don’t forget those often-overlooked spots: the tops of your feet, backs of your knees, ears, scalp, and the middle of your back.
Lip Balm
Preferably one with an SPF. Your lips are just as susceptible to sunburn as the rest of you, so make sure you are regularly reapplying. This will keep your lips moisturized even among all that sand and salt too!
Headwraps and Hair Ties
It’s probably not worth it to use styling product or a blow dryer before a day at the beach, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with a bad hair day. Headwraps can serve a dual purpose: they look super cute, and they help keep sweat out of your eyes (remember, you’re lying in the sun, during the summer.
Hair ties are also great, because they can prevent the wind and water from turning your lovely locks into tangle city. A loose bun or braid will keep things tame.
Water Bottle
One of the easiest ways to stay looking great is to stay hydrated. Swimming is a workout, but even just sitting out in the salty air can leave you feeling thirsty too. Make sure you’re prepared with plenty of cool, refreshing water.
Add cucumber or lemon for something with a hint of flavor.
Leave-In Conditioner
Whatever the hotel is supplying isn’t going to cut it. Bring a good quality leave-in conditioner to comb through your hair after swimming. It’ll save your hair from becoming damaged.
Sunglasses
Your eyes also need UVA/UVB protection. A good pair of sunglasses will do the job… but not too good. The beach, with all it’s sand, salt and commotion is a notorious destroyer of sunglasses. Bring a pair you wouldn’t be heartbroken to lose in the surf, and then bring a backup for when that inevitably happens.
Waterproof Mascara
You don’t really need makeup at the beach, but a swipe of waterproof mascara can give your eyes that little extra dramatic flair for all your beach selfies.
Foot Creme
You want to show off that pedicure, but ironically, the beach can do a number on your feet. Prolong your nail polish and keep your heels looking soft and smooth with a good quality lotion.
Cotton Undies and Comfy Bra
Eventually your beach day must come to an end…
We all know that sitting around in a wet swimsuit isn’t that great for your most sensitive areas. When you’re done swimming, make a quick change into comfortable underwear. You’ll have a much more pleasant drive home.
