⇥ Coverup: Rachel Zoe Collection (old, similar here) | Bikini: Body Glove – Top & Bottom (also comes in olive) | Sunnies: Francesca’s | similar Beach Tote

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Given that I’m a Jersey girl born & raised, going home to the beach every weekend is a summer ritual. It’s my escape from the city that helps me reset my mind, which I find very therapeutic for my happiness – & sanity.

At home, I have a beach bag that’s on standby for me to grab & go. Over the years, I’ve perfected the items I need to take with me to the beach so I’m ready to go at a moment’s notice; while always feeling prepared for anything that might be needed – even for my friends.

Whether you’re planning a beach day in the near future or still mastering your ideal beach tote, here are some of the essentials I bring along as well as a couple items that help make my beach experience that more enjoyable.

SPF PROTECTION

As someone who’s been battling sun damage & melasma for a few years, I can’t express how important bringing all types of SPF with you can be. I bring SPF for my body, face, and even lips – burning those feels like absolute hell btw.. These are my favorites to use in rotation because they work great & smell amazing!

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Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Face | Sun Bum Broad Spectrum SPF 30 | Hydropeptide Solar Defense Tinted Moisturizer | Sun Bum Pina Colada CocoBalm | Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Balm

In addition to SPF, giving my color-treated hair the same protection as my skin is an importance for me.  I swear by Sun Bum Beach Formula 3-in-1 Leave In Conditioner – it helps to protect my color from the sun while detangling and conditioning my mane throughout its exposure to salty water & air. Ps, there’s a Blonde Formula for those with golden locks that want a little natural sun lightening.

LARGE, RECOGNIZABLE TOWEL & LARGE WATER BOTTLE

Nothing is worse than struggling to lie on a tiny towel. Another issue I’ve had in the past is having my towel “accidentally picked up” and claimed by someone else. Yes, it’s really awkward to address someone about a towel that has a 50% chance of having a twin when yours is missing. And IDK about you but I’m not into the idea of putting a Sharpie to my towel so it can bleed in the wash..

What’s also unfortunate is going back and forth across the scorching hot sand to get to a water fountain for a quick drink or to refill a plastic cup. I’ve burned the bottoms of my feet too easily trying to make a sophisticated run for the boardwalk of the beach club to quench my thirst. Plus, you gotta drink it quick in this beach heat or suffer the consequences of burning liquid going down your throat.

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So to combat these ongoing issues, I went online & got myself (2) recognizable items in the form of an oversized, banana leaf towel and a vacuum sealed, woodgrain water bottle that make me feel better should I get up & jump in the ocean from time to time.

WATERPROOF & SMALL ITEM POUCH(ES)

How frustrating is it when the cap of the sunscreen pops off & wrecks havoc inside your bag? Or when you change out of a wet bathing suit that leaks water damage on everything else?  That’s why I swear by having a waterproof pouch or two for such situations. This assures me the mess, should one arise, will remain contained and can easily be washed after the fact; this also means my wet bathing suit won’t get the rest of my bag damp.

I also take a canvas pouch with me to hold my ‘dry items’ such as – hair ties, bobby pins, mobile phone charger, wallet, jewelry, keys, ear buds, mini hairbrush, etc. It’s a nightmare trying to find these smaller items in the abyss of a large beach tote, so I find keeping all these items contained in an area as well to reduce the stress.

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BEACH Waterproof Pouch | “Beach Hair Don’t Care” Canvas Pouch

 A GOOD READ

Bringing a book you can’t put down is a great way to pass the time in the sun, especially if you’re someone like me and get bored sitting still for long stretches of time.

Right now I’m reading Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari & LOVING it! It’s very insightful about the dating techniques & habits of today, and goes to great lengths to supply the reader with backed-up studies along with humorous examples to get the point across. Another book I’ve enjoyed taking to the beach is Life Hacks, which teaches you any procedure/action to solve a problem or simplify a task. This was a BIG hit in our beach circle gathering a year ago.

WHAT DO YOU TAKE TO THE BEACH WITH YOU?

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