Enjoying the warm sun and salty ocean air at the beach can be a wonderful way to relax during the summer, but you will need some important provisions. Here are the seven beach bag essentials that you'll need for that day in the sun!
The Bag
First things first, you need a cute bag to carry all of your items in. This tote from Quirky is stylish and it serves a purpose. The Shake Bag features a mesh bottom that frees all of the sand grains that get trapped inside so you can avoid the common problem of bringing the beach home with you. If you think the mesh look is tacky, don't worry. The Shake Bag has a reversible flap that can be pinned to the side of the bag to hide it from sight.
$90 | quirky.com
The Read
No beach trip is complete without a fantastic novel to immerse yourself in. We recommend getting lost in the pages of Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. In his latest novel, Walter tells the endearing story of an almost- love affair that began on the Italian coast in 1962 and is revived again in Hollywood 50 years later.
$10 | Barnes & Noble
The Tunes
Music can set the mood for a warm beach day, but electronics are easily damaged by the salt, sand and water. Protect your electronics with the Beach Sounds Portable Speaker. The brightly colored, retro-inspired speaker system has a water resistant body to protect your smartphone or MP3 player from water damage while keeping it safe in place inside with fitted foam and a Velcro strap. Or listen to your favorite station with a built-in AM/FM tuner.
$44 | uncommongoods.com
The Block
Soaking in some sun can be healthy and beneficial for the body, but the sun's UV Rays aren't. Protect your skin with Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion. This SPF 70 sunscreen not only feels light on the skin, but it also helps to hydrate chlorine and salt dried skin. Plus, this sunscreen comes with a light botanical fragrance to leave you smelling of the islands all day long.
$9 | Target
The Shades
Don't let the bright sun disturb your beach nap. Grab a trendy pair of sunglasses to keep out unwanted rays. Try these adorable Luv Heart Sunglasses from Tilly's. Heart-shaped, brown lenses and durable metal frames keep these babies in place on your face.
$10 | Tillys
The Do
Skin isn't the only part of your body that needs protection from the sun. Your hair can also suffer damage, becoming dry and brittle and losing its color. Protect it with Ouidad SunShield Sun & Sport Leave-in Conditioner. It protects hair with UV blockers and rehydrates to keep your locks from looking lack-luster.
$22 | ULTA
The Eats
Chances are you will be sitting ocean-side for quite some time. Don't forget to keep yourself nourished with plenty of water and some beach-appropriate snacks. Skip the ice cream and try bringing some healthier snack items. Think Wheat Thins or Special K Cracker Chips that come in boxes which more sand resistant than a bag of chips. Also save the environment and skip the plastic water bottle. Opt for a cute alternative like this Tervis Bohemian Flowers 24-ounce reusable water bottle. This bottle is colorful and features a wraparound of flowers that goes perfectly with your sunny mood.
$25 | Bed Bath & Beyond
