12 Beach Bag Essentials

Here are our top picks to keep you feeling fresh on those hot summer beach days

Here are our top picks to keep you feeling fresh on those hot summer beach days

Besides taking in the sunshine and sipping on something cool, you shouldn’t have to worry about a thing on your day at the beach. To make sure you have the best experience, we’ve rounded up this season’s must-haves.

Read on for our top beach bag essentials…

 

1. Sunscreen

We love how Shiseido’s WetForce technology works even harder to protect your skin when it comes into contact with water or perspiration. This lotion formula is not only long-lasting, but is also dermatologist-tested, blends easily, and is great for all skin types. Best of all, it can be applied both over and under makeup.
Shiseido WetForce Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50+, $49

2. Tanning oil

Sun Bum’s tanning oil leaves you with a healthy, golden glow—and it’s also great for your skin. We’re talking ingredients like marula oil, coconut oil, aloe vera and more. Plus, this formula is vegan, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and has an SPF of 15 that delivers extra sun protection.
Sun Bum Tanning Oil, $17.99

3. Sun hat

A sun hat is a must-have at the beach—not only to cover your head and block harmful rays from your hair and face, but also to add a chic touch to your summer outfit. Our top pick is this lightweight Chantilly Fedora made with 100 percent natural, sustainable straw.
Aritzia Auxiliary Chantilly Fedora, $38

4. Beach towel

Nothing says tropical vibes more than a soft, velvety beach towel covered in a pineapples. You’ll love lounging around with this Simons Maison exclusive, plus you definitely can’t go wrong with the price.
Pineapple Beach Towel by Simons Maison, $14.99

5. Sunglasses

Summer is the best time to experiment with fun shapes and colours when it comes to eyewear. This flattering pair of sunnies by RayBan provides 100 percent UV ray protection and we can’t get enough of this silvery pink shade that will have all eyes on you.
Wings II in pink by Ray Ban, $238

6. Lip balm

Laneige’s hydrating formula will keep your lips soft and moisturized all day thanks to murmuru and shea butters. We love this berry flavour that gives a subtle shine, but there’s also other yummy versions like pear, peach and grapefruit to try.
Lip Glowy Balm by LANEIGE, $20

7. Post-sun care

Take care of your skin once you’re out of the heat with Ouai’s After Sun Body Smoother. Made with aloe leaf juice, cucumber extract and rose hip oil, this cooling foam will instantly refresh and hydrate your skin. This formula is dermatologically tested, safe for sensitive skin and smells like a burst of Fijian coconut and pineapple.
After Sun Body Smoother by Ouai, $25

8. Facial spray

Toss this soothing little mist in your beach bag and spritz away whenever your skin needs a pick-me-up. It’s infused with lavender oil and vitamin C, which will leave your face feeling rejuvenated and fresh.
Aloe, Chamomile, and Lavender spray by Mario Badescu, $7

9. Hair care

Keep your hair free from sun damage with Aveda’s Protective Hair Veil, which is super easy to use. This product is also water-resistant and has a delicious fragrance of organic neroli, ylang ylang, cistus and other pure flower essences. Give your locks a few sprays before you head out and you’re all set.
Protective Hair Veil by Aveda, $29

10. Waterproof speaker

Listen to all of your summertime jams with Wonderboom’s top-rated, 100 percent waterproof speaker. We love how it’s an awesome size to carry in your bag and lasts up to 10 hours on a single battery charge. This unicorn shade is super fabulous for the summer, but there are lots of other fun patterns and colours to pick from.
Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM Bluetooth Speaker by Best Buy, $79.99

11. A summer read

If you’re in relaxation mode, there’s no better time than to catch up on some summer reading. Our recommendation is Karen Swan’s The Spanish Promise. Described as a “sizzling novel,” it follows the story of a wealth counsellor who travels to Madrid to help an heir to a giant Spanish estate. What she ends up discovering is a generation of mysterious secrets within the family. Intrigued already? We thought you would be.
The Spanish Promise by Karen Swan, $14.70

12. Beach tote

Straw bags are one of the hottest trends this summer and we want you to stay on top of your style game. This tote by J.Crew is handwoven, durable and has lots of room to carry all your beach essentials. A bonus? You can easily fold and tuck it into your suitcase when you’re heading on vacation. 
J.Crew Market Tote Bag, $89