I've mastered the skill of packing a beach bag—these 12 beauty items are a must-have.
Every summer, I spend a considerable amount of time at the beach—quite a lot, in fact. Whether it's the freshwater coast of Lake Michigan or the salty beaches of Southern California, being at the beach is truly my preferred way to spend my time. However, there are some drawbacks. While I may be obsessed with the beach, I'm also a beauty editor, so I am aware of how tough summer can be on skin and hair. I'm referring to issues like sun damage, discoloration, split ends, and more. Fortunately, you can avoid damage by using the right beauty products, particularly those with sun protection. After years of testing products and learning from my beach experiences, I'm convinced I've found the right ones—specifically 12. Below, I present my comprehensive beauty editor's guide to packing a beach bag. Let’s go!
**SPF Lip Balm**
**Supergoop**
Lipscreen Shine SPF 40
The lips are often a neglected area when it comes to sun protection, but they're just as susceptible to UV damage as the skin on other parts of the body. Personally, I prefer to avoid thin, dry, flaky, or sunburned lips (or worse), so I always include an SPF lip balm (or two) in my beach bag. The first is Supergoop's Lipscreen Shine SPF 40. This invisible, non-sticky lip gloss provides shine and sun protection with just one swipe. Unlike other SPF lip products, it’s not drying and doesn’t leave my lips looking ghostly pale. Additionally, the glossy formula makes them look plump and juicy in the sun.
**Ultra Violette**
Sheen Screen SPF 50 Hydrating Sunscreen Lip Balm
The second SPF lip product I carry in my beach bag is Ultra Violette's Sheen Screen SPF 50 Lip Balm. It's non-sticky and highly hydrating, giving lips a hint of shine and color. There are two shades available, but I prefer Dusk, a neutral rosy-beige, while the other option is Bejewelled, a shimmering pinky-gold.
**Face Sunscreen**
**innisfree**
Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen
For face sunscreen, I require it to meet several criteria before I start using it. It must 1) provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, 2) avoid pilling or leaving a white cast, and 3) keep my pores unclogged. Innisfree's Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen meets all these requirements. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 36 with a lightweight, milky consistency that appears almost invisible on my skin while leaving a nice dewy finish. It never clogs my pores or worsens my skin texture. Plus, it layers well for reapplication, avoiding the pilling or thick, goopy feeling I often experience with other face sunscreens.
**Dr. Jart+**
Every Sun Day Invisible Korean Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
For easy reapplication on the go (or when my hands are sandy and I don't want to smear fresh SPF everywhere), a sunscreen stick is a convenient option. This Korean sunscreen stick provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 with a matte finish. While at the beach, I appreciate how the matte finish reduces excess shine from sweat, oil, and my aforementioned dewy sunscreen. However, it’s not just about the finish; it glides smoothly across the skin, delivering just the right amount of lightweight sun protection. Outside of the beach, I also enjoy how that matte finish blurs my skin and minimizes the appearance of my pores, especially when applied over dewy makeup.
**Body Sunscreen**
**Vacation**
Classic Lotion SPF 50 Sun Jug
A staple in my beach bag is Vacation's Classic Lotion SPF 50 Sun Jug. This large, 20-ounce bottle contains the brand's popular body sunscreen and features a detachable handle that can double as a bracelet. It's lightweight, hydrating, and has the brand's signature summertime scent (coconut, banana, pool water, pool toys, and swimsuit lycra). Unlike other smaller, pricier sunscreens, I feel free to apply as much as I want (and more) to ensure my skin is adequately protected from sun damage.
**Coola**
Piña Colada Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
I also like to have a spray sunscreen for reapplying SPF on larger or harder-to-reach areas like my back. This one from Coola is a continuous, non-aerosol spray with broad-spectrum SPF 30. Thanks to its water-resistant formula, it doesn't wash off as soon as I enter the water. Furthermore, its hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients, including red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract, not only protect against the sun but also benefit my skin. It comes in various scents, but
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I've mastered the skill of packing a beach bag—these 12 beauty items are a must-have.
Packing the ideal beach bag is an art form. Click here to view an editor's guide to essential beauty items.