It feels like summer is in full swing so I have to share my beach bag essentials with you. Over the years I have tested and tried so many products. From sunscreens, to post-sun aftercare to extend your tan and everything in between. I’ve tried it all it seems and want to share the products for the beach and pool that I swear by. Typically I keep like to have everything in my bag so it’s ready to go when a friend calls to hang poolside. No need to fill it up and empty it out. Here’s what I always have in my beach bag (and ready to go at home in the cabinet to care for my skin).
What To Keep In A Beach Bag
1. Sunscreen!
This is a no-brainer (at least I hope!). SPF is so important and I’m a total freak about it too. I’m terrified of wrinkles and getting skin cancer so I’m always slathering it on and reapplying often. And yes, I’m still tan! It’s a big misconception that if you wear sunscreen you won’t get tan. Wrong, if you wear sunscreen, you won’t get burnt and it helps to protect your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. I love this SuperGoop foam sunscreen for it’s super easy application.
2. Sunscreen For Your Face
I like to have a separate sunscreen for just my face in addition to my whole body. Typically I use a higher SPF for my fac since it burns more easily. Plus I like having a product that is designed for your face as it’s usually less greasy. I’ve been using the Unseen Sunscreen from SuperGoop and love it. When traveling, I just pack my Cosmedix peptide-rich spf 50 moisturizer in my beach bag to reapply throughout the day. A little goes a long way so don’t be afraid of spending a little more money on this as it’ll last you a long time and help to protect your skin.
3. Maui Babe Tanning Lotion
If I’m planning to just lay and get as golden as possible, I like to use this old school favorite. After I apply my SPF I like to add my Maui Babe Tanning Lotion on top. My sister used to lather this on her body back in high school to get more tan and we swear it works. If you’re looking to get a great golden glow quickly, this stuff is great! I also love their post-sun lotion that helps to extend your tan.
4. Saje Peppermint Oil
I get hot and sweaty pretty quickly so having this Saje peppermint oil to roll on to the nape of my neck helps to cool me off. It’s like air conditioning in a bottle. I keep this in my purse as well for hot days. It’s seriously a game-changer! While my a/c was broken I put this on my neck to wait for the technician and I 100% thought my a/c was working again.
5. JBL Speaker
I can’t stand sitting in silence by the pool or beach sometimes. Sure for a little while, I’ll relax, but then I need some tunes. This JBL speaker sounds great and works with Bluetooth. It’s easy to set up and helps to transform your pool day to a pool party.
6. S’well Bottle
I’m slightly obsessed with my S’well bottles. They keep things cold for 24 hours and makes staying cool and hydrated a little easier. I always fill mine up with ice too to make sure it stays extra cold. Plus, being out in the sun is super dehydrating, so having a chic water bottle to drink out of encourages me more to drink throughout the day. This is also something I now always pack with me when I travel. It’s a great way to make sure you’re getting your water in.
7. Post Sun Care
I got this cooling spray at an event and have been loving it. You use it the day after a day in the sun. It’s got cooling essential oils in it to make your hot skin feel refreshed and cooled off. If you really need a refreshing jolt, keep this in the fridge!
8. A Great Beach Bag
Lastly, you’ll need a great beach bag that holds it all! I love this one from Mud Pie because it’s SO massive. It holds my towels, all my essentials and plenty of room for anything else your heart desires.
9. A Great Beach Towel
This Snowe Home beach towel is hands down the best thing ever. It’s so thick and luxurious. I just may need to change ALL my towels in my life to this brand. I love the bold yellow, but a classic blue and white is also always a smart idea. I’m all about the giant oversized towels for the pool or beach.
