12 Beach Bag Essentials for Summer 2021

These seasonal necessities guarantee a care-free day of sun and sand

Heading to the nearest local beach is one of the best ways to make the most of summertime. To ensure your outing is as relaxing as possible, we’ve created a packing list with the season’s must-haves including sunscreen, a towel, tanning oil and more…

1. Unscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 by Supergoop, $45

A good quality sunscreen is a definite must-have for spending time in the sun. This water-resistant formula by Supergoop boasts SPF 40 to protect you from harsh UV rays, and rubs in completely clear thanks to its gel-like consistency. Not to mention, it’s great for all skin types, cruelty-free, vegan-friendly and oil-free.
Available online

2. Watermelon Glow Ultra-fine Mist by Glow Recipe, $28

Even if you are sipping water throughout the day (as you should be), your skin can always use a direct spritz of hydration from time to time to cool it down. Our favourite pick is this mist by Glow Recipe, which features 84 percent water, hyaluronic acid and hibiscus to give you an instantly-calming and refreshing feeling. Shake before use.
Available online

3. Multicolour Foliage Towel by Simons Maison, $40

We are feeling all the vacay vibes with this one. The exotic design of this towel gives you best of both: a velvet texture on one side, and absorbent cotton terry fabric on the other. The leaves and colours make it super beach-friendly, not to mention it’s the perfect size to lay back and soak in the sun.
Available online

4. Cotton Beach Dress by J.Crew, $131.50

Easy to wear and chic, this cover-up by J.Crew is fabulous to throw on over your swimsuit. Plus, no matter what the day brings post-beach time you’ll be ready to go.
Available online

5. King Kool Lounger, $79.99 for two

If you’re ready to hit the water, sit back and relax in this pool float, complete with a headrest and a drink holder. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Available online

6. Sun Bum Tanning Oil, $17.99

Achieve your best glow with this tanning oil that’s packed with natural goodies such as argan and coconut oils, as well as soothing aloe vera. Not only will it give your skin a sun-kissed look, but it will also protect it from harmful rays, as well as keep it nourished. We love that this product is reef-friendly and cruelty-free.
Available online

7. Minimalist One-piece by Londre, $110

We are obsessed with this one-piece by B.C.’s own Londre. The Minimalist caters to all body types, looks absolutely flattering on, and comes in a variety of colours. Plus, this brand is committed to sustainability with a minimum of six recycled plastic bottles used in every swimsuit.
Available online

8. Cooler Bag by Business and Pleasure, $132.08

All of your essentials need a safe place to go. Our favourite selection is this cooler tote by Business and Pleasure, which holds up to 11 gallons in weight. The design is super beach-friendly, and includes leather handles, as well as a detachable strap.
Available online

9. The Secret Path by Karen Swan, $15

Get extra comfortable, because this summer read is hard to put down once you start. Best-selling Canadian author Karen Swan’s The Secret Path takes you into the heart of Costa Rica, where a young woman must go on a journey to save a life, and trust someone who betrayed her years ago.
Available online

10. Cat Eye Sunglasses by Anthropologie, $38

Protecting your eyes from the sun is extremely important, so you might as well do it in style. This vintage pair by Anthropologie will keep you trendy as ever, and the cat-eye shape is just so fun and flirty.
Available online

11. SPF 30 Mist Hair Protection by Coola-1, $26

Coola-1’s vegan mist featuring gotu kola extract and monoi oil is a sunscreen for your hair and scalp, which can also burn and become damaged in the heat. It’s water-resistant, won’t make your locks greasy and prevents colour from fading.
Available online

12. Brimmed Hat by Zara, $39.90

Keep your head and face covered with this brimmed, woven hat by Zara, which will add a subtle pop of colour to your beach look. It makes for a great summer purchase, because it’s an accessory that you will surely wear again and again.
Available online