9 Must-Have Items That Should Be In Your Summer Beach Bag
As the weather heats up, we all seek refuge near the water. A day at the beach can help you unwind and relax … but only if you have the creature comforts within reach. Sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, and a beach blanket are pretty much essential for any waterfront outing, but if you haven’t packed a beach bag in a while, you may need a few additional tips.
We think the following items make a day at the beach, well, a walk in the park.
Preemptive Hair Protection
You wouldn’t dream of heading out to the beach before applying sunscreen, so why not protect your silky strands as well? Salt water and wind can remove essential oils from your hair. The White Moss Normal & Delicate Protecting Fluid hydrates hair, prevents split ends, and can reduce frizz. And if you’re planning to swim in a chlorinated pool, the Protecting Fluid will prevent damage from pool water as well.
Shade
Okay, you can’t actually pack shade, but you can create it. Depending on your family’s needs, an umbrella might suffice. But if you’re bringing the kids or hanging out with friends, pop-up beach tents offer instant sun protection and much needed shelter. And don’t forget to bring a rubber mallet to pound those stakes into the ground. Some versions made by camping equipment companies even include a hook to help you remove the stakes when it’s time to head home.
Lightweight Beach Chair
Going to the beach doesn’t have to mean sitting on the sand. In fact, you’ll be able to keep a better eye on your surroundings (and your kids) if you’re sitting up comfortably. Choose a portable beach chair with a shoulder strap to make settling in easier.
Wide-Brimmed Hat
You’ve heard the phrase, “Out of sight; out of mind.” Most of us forget to apply sunscreen to the tops of our ears and the part in our hair. Yet, skin cancer on the scalp and the ears is very common. A baseball hat might cover your scalp, but a wide-brimmed hat will also cover your ears and offer a little extra protection to your neck and shoulders.
Lip Balm to Prevent or Soothe Chapped, Cracked Lips
Salt water has a way of stripping away natural oils, and your lips are especially vulnerable. Licking them only makes matters worse, so be sure to apply a good occlusive product, like the Bio Lip Balm, before you hit the water. The natural waxes ensure the moisture-rich formula stays creamy, while shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and Argan oil keep your tender lip skin hydrated and protected.
Wide-Mouthed Water Bottle
Instead of toting several bottles of water with you, pack a wide-mouthed water bottle in your bag instead. You can fill it up at home and refill it at the beach.
Drink Holders
If you’ve never used a sand spike or beverage holder before, get ready to upgrade your day at the beach. These brightly colored beach cup holders prevent sand from creating the dreaded condensation clump. Pick up a variety of colors, so each person in your group will easily be able to find their drink. Some holders even have an additional pocket, so you can keep your sunglasses or cell phone within arm’s reach.
Waterproof Protectors
One of the best old-school beach bag tricks is the tried-and-true plastic freezer bag. Use small bags to protect your smartphone and larger bags to stow wet swimsuits on the ride home.
Sand Remover
When you’re ready to pack up for the day, you don’t want to take half the beach with you. Moms know that baby powder absorbs moisture, and it makes a great sand remover as well. Baby powder, especially the kind with cornstarch in it, absorbs the water in sand, so you won’t be driving home with grit between your toes. Simply air dry for a few minutes after you’re done swimming, and then sprinkle a liberal amount of powder onto your feet. Rub it in with your hands and wipe it off with a towel.
Enjoy your fun in the sun!
