Is it just me or is packing for the beach really tricky?
You always end up forgetting something, or wishing you would have brought something else.
Luckily...I think I have mastered the perfect beach bag with all the right essentials!
Firstly! The key to every beach day is the perfect bag.
You need a bag that is going to hold everything but the kitchen sink and still look cute.
A great beach bag is wide, has a nice supportive strap for carrying, and at the same time is still going to protect your belongings from the sand.
My beach bag is from Suzy Shier's 2013 summer line.
It is made of a straw material which is perfect for the beach because it doesn't get wet easily and does not hold sand. It also has a thin liner on the inside to protect my things from the sand. Now, my bag originally came with two bamboo handles which broke after the first use so I cut them off, and instead I have been using a patent leather strap. Still looks cute non-the-less! Hehe
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Now on to the essentials!
The first thing I reach for when I am packing for the beach are my sunglasses!
The one's I am currently using are a pair of Betsey Johnson's in a tortoise color with gold studs on the sides (style: BJ6045P). I managed to find these for a really great price last year in Winners.
Two other essentials that are a must for a day on the beach are a hat and some money...duh!
I opted for my new flatback #SELFIE hat that I picked up in Urban Planet recently and my Fuschia studded clutch to hold some cash.
One thing girls tend to forget about at the beach is their hair!
I cannot tell you how many times I have gone to the beach and forgot to take a hair tie.
You should always carry a brush and a hair tie in your bag for after you have been swimming in the salty water. Speaking of salt! Everyone knows that salt is the best ingredient to mermaid beach waves. And if your not into swimming in the salt (usually freezing) ocean water, you can still get the flawless beach look with a salt spray. The one I have been using this summer is the Got 2b Beach Trippin Salt Infusion Waving Spray which you can get at any Walmart or Shoppers for less than five bucks!
On the topic of looking flawless...I always carry a little makeup with me just in case.
This is totally based on preference! Some people would rather rock it au-natural, however sometimes when your snapping some tanning selfies you might just want a clear faced and doe-eyed look. Which is why I packed my Marcelle BB Cream in Light-Medium, my Urban Decay Optical Blurring Brush, and my Rimmel London Scandal Eyes mascara.
The next thing you should make sure to pack is a bathing suit cover-up. These really come in handy when your dripping wet from the water or full of sand and you just want something to throw on to run and get an ice cream. Recently, Kimonos have come back in style in a lot of popular stores which is great because they serve as an awesome beach cover-up. The one I have in my beach bag is from Urban Planet and it is a creamy beige and red paisley pattern. Very Boho Chic. If kimonos arn't your thing or you just haven't found one you love yet, then crochet is another popular material for cover-ups lately!
While on the topic of clothing, a girl should always remember to take an extra pair of panties and a bra for after the beach...because nobody wants a wet bum on the way to the restaurant after swimming. My cheetah bra is from LaSenza and the panties are from PINK. If you are planning on making a weekend trip out of it and you find yourself going back and forth to the beach, take along a couple clean bikinis to change into rather than underwear.
The next thing to remember (and perhaps the most important) is sun protection and tanning products. I am a fan of the beach tan and am always trying to soak up some sun while at the beach. The tanning oil I have been using recently is the Banana Boat Sunscreen Oil Spray. It is easy to spray on, it smells delicious, it makes your legs look fabulous, not to mention it has 15SPF which is always something to remember. Even though we all want a beautiful tan, it is important to protect your skin. I also take a good Sunscreen with me as well for when you are swimming or splashing around in the waves and you need something waterproof with good protection. I use the Coppertone Sport in SPF60 because it is very easy to burn while in the water. Another product that will come in handy after the beach, perhaps during a campfire when the sun goes down, is an after-sun product to sooth sun burns. This travel bottle of Hawaiian Tropics After-Sun Moisturizer has been a life saver.
Speaking of body products, I always carry a few other essentials including makeup wipes for when your mascara runs while swimming (happened to me yesterday). I also always have an instant bronzer with me for that quick tan before you step out in your bikini. The one I have been reaching for lately has been the Victoria Secret Instant Bronze which i picked up for ten dollars and have repurchased already. Another important tip is to protect your lips as well. Girls tend to forget about their lips when using sunscreen. I have been using the Blistex Lip Balm & Sunscreen with SPF20. Another great tip for freshening up after swimming when you smell like seaweed or when you are slowly turning into a sand monster, I always carry a little bottle of shower gel for a quick rinse if your beach has a rinsing station. It's better to smell like Bath and Body Works' Strawberry than fish!
Last but not least... Everybody loves the girl that has some form of fun for everyone at the beach! Whether it is frisbee, or volleyball, or music...they will love you for it. I have been loving my Royal Bluetooth Speaker which I have been connecting to my phone and playing some tunes right from my bag! All you have to do is create a "Beach Playlist" and you are good to go!
I hope this helps you all pack for those days sprawled out on the beach or even a day swimming at the pool.
Tweet me or Leave a Comment to let me know if this helped!
What's in your beach bag?
-Xo
