You’ve found the perfect swimsuit, your manicure is ready to go and you’re hitting the beach this Memorial Day weekend — life is sweet. But one of the most important things besides your sartorial and nail art choices is what sun-and-sand-friendly beauty essentials to pack in your beach bag. Obviously, sunscreen is a given, but when it comes to summer primping, it’s all about keeping things minimal. There’s no need to haul around your entire makeup bag or wear a full face of makeup, so we’re giving you our top five picks of essentials to pack for a day at the beach— including a beautiful bag to tote them in — to keep your beauty look on point all summer long.
summer beauty beach essentials
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The Bag
This handwoven cotton tote features sturdy leather handles so that you can pack your beauty essentials along with your beach towel, sunnies and your book.
Sophie Anderson Oona Woven-Cotton Tote, $672 at Matches Fashion
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The Sunblock
This chemical-free sunblock goes beyond UV protection — it's formulated with antioxidants like sunflower shoot extract, raspberry seed oil and marula oil to keep skin healthy and provide it with anti-aging benefits. It's great for those with sensitive skin and won't leave skin with any greasiness or white residue.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30, $38 at Drunk Elephant
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The Skin Corrector
Once you've applied your sunscreen, even out your skin with this all-in-one lightweight BB cream. It's incredibly moisturizing, resulting in a plumped up, healthy complexion, and even has SPF 35, which means we're huge fans.
Estée Lauder DayWear Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit BB Creme SPF 35, $40 at Estée Lauder
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The Pop of Color
You can't go wrong with a bright lip in the summer, and this shade multitasks to give your face a subtle glow, too. The creamy gel-like color goes on smoothly (a little bit goes a long way) and has a satin finish for a high-impact look.
Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll Kiss & Blush Lips & Cheeks in Fuchsia Desinvolte, $40 at Sephora
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The Hair Shine Mist
Add a little polish and shine to locks with this weightless mist from Alterna, formulated with UV filters to protect color and strands from the sun's rays. The sweet scent of Brazilian mango and coconut milk plus nourishing ingredients like organic bamboo extract and Tahitian coconut make this an instant summer hair must-have.
Alterna Bamboo Beach Summer Sunshine Spray, $22 at Beauty.com
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The Detangler
No matter what type of hair you have, this tried-and-true brush will gently detangle the unruliest of knots without the need to section off hair. The flexible bristles vary in length to work together like a wide-tooth comb and the brush fits perfectly into the palm of your hand for easy usage. It's great for the beach because you can use it after spritzing on a leave-in conditioner or shine spray.
Tangle Teezer Compact Styler Lulu Guinness Lip Print, $20 at Sephora
