What To Pack For An Endless Summer (Just Add Water)

Jul 03, 2023

Stock your beach bag with fashionable summer essentials.

By the time August rolls around, we’re already thinking of summer’s waning days. But don’t worry, there’s still ample time for lazy poolside afternoons, barefoot strolls and breezy beach getaways. Dog-eared beach read? Check. SPF 30? Check. A pair of polazired shades? Check. A chic raffia tote? Check. What about a sip - or two - of organic rosé? Check. This summer, hydrate, protect and keep your skin looking (and smelling) its best. Below, a few of our favorite beach day and beauty bag essentials.

Le Prunier bestselling Plumscreen SPF 31 keeps you protected when you're out in the sun.

Harnessing the all-natural, sun-protecting power of plums, this hydrating SPF —formulated by a trio of sisters in California — leans on a sheer mineral-based formula of antioxidant-rich plum superfruit to protect against UV light and environmental aggressors, Luxuiate Zonaria Tournefortii Extract to help prevent future wrinkles; and coral-reef safe Non-Nano Zinc Oxide to shield without any pesky white film.

Soapwalla's classic deodrant cream with essential oils keeps you fresh.

It’s sure hot out there, so make sure you swipe a bit of this cream before heading out. Made with vegetable-based powder, clay and lavender, peppermint and tea tree oils, Soapwalla’s creamy, unisex formula helps tackle odor and keeps you smelling fresh. It’s also housed in sustsaintable packaging; and is safe to use on your feet and torso.

Stay hydrated — and grounded with Ilia's protective Blue Light Mist

Ilia’s refreshing 3-in-1 mist hydrates and defends skin from blue light and pollution. Formulated with marine actives like algae, skin is protected and firmed, while tara extract helps neutralize free radicals and mastic helps control excess shine. The best part? The calming lavender scent is grounding for when you really want to chill.

Hydrate and protect with Salt + Stone's SPF 30 lip balm

This all-natural suncreen lip balm uses a Non-Nano Zinc Oxide for broad spectrum protection, plus sweet almond and argan oils for serious hydration. As with all SPF directions, apply every 2 hours or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

Protect your summer locks with Oribe's Invisible Defense Universal Protection Spray.

Protect your hair from harmful UV rays with this lightweight Oribe mist also known to shield hair from thermal damage (up to 450°F) and pollution. It also helps with color fading and frizz — and thanks to its gentle moisture, works on softening locks.

Because a good beach day should have a colorful suit.

With its ruched silhouette and plunging V-neck, this flattering colorblocked one-piece from timeless swimwear label Solid + Striped not only makes a great beach day choice, but also doubles as a fun bodysuit with denim cut-offs or chic linen pants.

Making waves with Tower 28's vegan mascara for beachy eyes — that don't get clumpy or crunchy.

Safe for the most sensitive eyes, this clean, ophthalmologist-tested vegan mascara lengthens, volumizes and defines. The best part? It doesn't get crunchy and is easy to wash off. A perfect post swim swipe and voilà —sultry and amped-up looking lashes.

A luxe spin on boxed wine that's eco-friendly, delicious and perfect for the beach.

Tasty chilled boxed wine? Yes, indeed. For a refreshing summer sip that nods to Provençal style wine, try this vegan, gluten-free, low-in-sugar and eco-friendly label. Aged in 100% stainless steel and using Edna Valley & Los Olivos Grenache grapes, you’ll pick up hints of bright strawberry, watermelon, and floral freesia.

Protect your eyes from the sun's glare with Goodr's affordable and lightweigh polarized sunglasses.

Ever lose a pair of really expensive sunglasses? Then consider these stylish, affordable polarized shades. Offered in bold colors, protect your peepers by reducing the UV glare. And, because they don’t slip easily, they make great companions for outdoor sports and water adventures.

Hit the beach in style with a pair of classic Ancient Greek Sandals.

While any old pair of plastic flip-flops will make do for a beach day, Ancient Greek Sandals ensures you look your chicest. Black, silver, platinum, white? The label’s classic slip-on-slip-off Thais sandal is a cool accessory that with wear, the brand likes to say, “becomes as comfortable as your favourite jeans.”

MZ Wallace makes a chic beach tote for all of your summer beauty essentials.

A good beach tote is requisite. The born-and-bred-in-NYC label MZ Wallace, whose nylon bags are the chic choice of travelers and city dwellers, has constructed a lightweight, spacious summer raffia bag with contrasting trims (in a cheery red and blue) and perfect for your towel, book, SPF and and shades.