If you’re planning to spend any prolonged amount of time at the beach, pool or lake this Summer, you’ll definitely want to be prepared. It’s the worst when you get out to the pool, are all settled and realize you’ve forgotten something crucial like sunblock.
When you pack for a day in the sun, you have to also think about where you might possibly go after your favorite swimming hole. You might need to run an errand, choose to grab a bite to eat or enjoy a frosty beverage instead of heading straight home. In those cases, you’ll need a few items to not only make you look fabulous, but help you feel refreshed and glowing from your day of sun worshipping.
As much as you can, try to keep your swim bag stocked and ready to go so there’s no need to unload and repack every time.

Must-Have Items for Your Swim Bag

Sunblock

If you’re looking to get a bit of sun without damaging your skin, apply a low SPF like Clinique’s Spray SPF 15 before you leave the house or as soon as you get to your destination. Then, 30 minutes after you’ve been in the sun, start the first of your reapplications with something stronger. Go for at least SPF 45 to prevent prolonged skin exposure.

Sunglasses

Gotta have a cute pair of shades to protect your eyes. Remember, sunglasses are more than just an accessory! Find a pair that offers 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays.

Towel

Even if you have a favorite beach blanket or prefer the ease of using a sheet to lay on, you’ll still need a towel to dry off when you get out of the water. Instead of finding the brightest towel with the cutest beach motif, make sure your towel actually has some absorption properties. So often, beach towels are worthless when it comes to actually getting you dry. To carry your towel easily, roll tightly and place vertically in a corner of your bag.

Refillable Water Bottle

Make sure you stay hydrated! Bring a refillable water bottle full of cold water. Hopefully there will be a water fountain nearby where you can refill your bottle if you run out of fresh water.

Brush

Spending time in the water can wreak havoc on your ‘do. Make sure you have a brush on hand to pull through your tangles. Brush your hair before you get into the water to prevent gnarls and knots. Be gentle with your wet hair, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.

Beauty Items for Your Swim Bag

Carry all of your beauty products in a ziploc or small cosmetic case to keep sand from getting into them.

Hair Product

If your hair doesn’t dry perfectly without the help of a blow dryer, you might consider carrying a special product to use when you get out of the water. A leave-in conditioner can work, but I’m really loving the ‘Summer Hair Beach Waves’ spray from Federic Fekkai. In addition to the ingredients that help you get tousled waves, it also has a UV protectant to prevent sun damage and color fading.

Face Lotion

After some time in the sun, your face can feel pretty dry. Carry a small bottle of your regular face lotion along to remoisturize.

Lip Protectant

To keep your lips from getting dry, cracked and sunburned, carry a lipgloss or chapstick that contains an SPF. Not only will this protect your lips, it will also make your smile dewy after a day of relaxation.

Cream Blush/Bronzer

After a day in the water, you’ll skin will probably be pretty free of makeup. To add a little color, apply a cream blush to the apples of your cheeks and a tad bit to the outside of your eye crease. Even though you protected your skin with sunblock, doing this will give your face the appearance of having that sun-kissed glow. I really love NARS Multiple Bronzer because it’s in the form of a lipstick for easy application.

Extra Hair Bands or Bobby Pins

Just in case your hair needs a little help at the end of the day, carry some extra hair bands or bobby pins.

Extras

Book

Reading a book while you lay by the beach is pretty much the ultimate in relaxation. Carry a book that you can get lost in and enjoy yourself as you’re reading. Don’t bring a book that requires note-taking or reference tools. Give yourself a break!

Snack Bar

Always keep a snack bar (Luna and Lara are my favs) stashed in your beach bag. You never know when you might need a little something to snack on.

Playing Cards

If you’re hanging at the water with a friend, bring a pack of playing cards. You might want to do something more interactive then lay next to each other reading your respective novels.

Wet Wipes

It’s always nice to have wet wipes on hand just in case. You never know when you might need them. Often, there might be restroom facilities but no place to wash your hands. Carrying wet wipes keeps you prepared for whatever might come your way.

Essentials

If you need to bring your cell phone, digital camera, ipod, keys, a credit card and cash, don’t bring your purse. Instead, place them all in a ziploc to keep them away from water, sand and dirt.

The Perfect Bag

What do you keep in your beach bag?
What’s your favorite beach bag?