We've put together a list of ten essential products that you should never go to the beach without!
- Sunscreen - This is a no-brainer, but we can't stress enough, the most important. (See our post about sunscreen for tips on what to apply and how to choose the sunscreen right for you). The sun is strong at the beach. The ocean and sand attract the sun's rays with very little standing in your way. Bring at least SPF 30, like Ahava Sun Moisturizer SPF 30. Another great sunscreen product is Kiss My Face Sun Hot Spots, an SPF 30 touch up stick that is quick and easy to apply, especially good for sensitive areas.
- Lip Balm - Your lips are extra sensitive to the sun and shouldn't be ignored. Try Burt's Bees Lifeguard's Choice Lip Balm, which is specifically designed to be used in the summer sun, containing SPF and ingredients that provide extra moisturizing relief.
- Tanning Oil - We can't stress this enough, if you must use tanning oil, we recommend using oil with SPF in it. Our favorite is still Banana Boat's Protective Tan Oil Spray with SPF 15. Another good one is Ocean Potion's Protective Tanning Spray Gel with SPF 8. It's actually an oil-free formula but encourages the skin to tan while at the same time nourishing it and keeping it safe.
- Waterproof Mascara - A beach essential! Try the new Urban Decay Waterproof Fatty Mascara You can be worry-free when it comes to whether or not your mascara is smudging or running throughout the day.
- Evian Mineral Water Spray - Keep yourself and your skin cool with portable Evian Mineral Water Sprays. The French Alps mineral water has be proven to not only be a refreshing beverage, but also just as refreshing for your skin.
- Insect Repellent - Some beaches are bug free, while others seem to occasionally attract those pesky little flies. It doesn't hurt to be prepared with an insect repellent, like Kiss My Face Sun Swy Flotter Insect Repellent. Their formula is both DEET and paraben-free, which makes it good for you and the environment!
- Hair Protectant - The sun can also do damages on your hair, making it dry and brittle. Phyto Plage's Protective Sun Veil was designed specifically to protect hair from the drying effects of the sun. Also a great option, Alterna Caviar 's unique, Anti-Aging Beach Spray, which was created with beach hair in mind. The spray is made with real ocean water and marine botanicals that help moisturize hair, protect it from sun damage, while creating sexy beach waves!
- Brush with detangler - The wind and water at the beach often leave long hair in a knotty mess. Pack a small detangler brush, like Mason Pearson's All Nylon Detangler Hairbrush with a leave in detangler spray, like Goldwell Moisture Light Detangle Spray. That way, you'll be able to take care of knots easily and effectively.
- Tan Extender - To keep your tan lasting days after you've packed up from the beach, try applying a tan extender. Sun Laboratories makes a Sun Tan Maintainer, which preserves tan by hydrating with aloe vera and enhancing the appearance of a tan. Bella Bronzer also makes their Olive Oil and Shea Butter Tan Extender that helps smooth and moisturize sun-kissed skin.
- Aloe Vera - We hope you don't get burned! But it's always good to be prepared just in case. Try Banana Boat's Aloe After Sun Lotion, specifically design to help sooth and moisturize skin that's been in the sun all day!
