Admit it: You’ve been counting down to your beach vacation since last September. You’ve got the perfect swimsuit, but how’s that beach bag looking? Lounging on the sandy shore and taking in the soothing sound of the waves should be all about relaxation—not sipping lukewarm water or stressing about your dying phone. Here’s all the essential gear you need to make that happen.
Everything You Need in Your Beach Bag This Summer
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Published Jun 1, 2017
Saks Fifth Avenue
Bag: A massive bag is nonnegotiable (you’ve gotta stash your sunscreen, sunglasses, magazines and towels somewhere), but you don’t have to settle for a shapeless tote. This year’s structured, circular carryalls manage to look polished both on and off the beach.
JADETribe ($142)
Hat: Even if you’re not normally a hat person, the beach is the perfect place to test-drive a topper and protect your skin all at once. (Bonus: No worrying about how your hair looks.)
Albertus Swanepoel ($250)
Beach towel: You need one that’s soft and large enough to lie on while engrossed in a book and cozy enough to wrap up in after hitting the waves (or when that evening clambake gets chillier than expected).
Las Bayadas ($48)
Reading material: Raise your hand if you do your best reading under an umbrella, with your feet in the sand. Make sure you’ve got a stack of page-turners ready to go.
Net-a-porter
Sunglasses: An obvious requirement. Pack an inexpensive pair for the beach (because they will get scratched) and a pair of on-trend colored aviators for everywhere else.
Cutler and Gross ($500)
Sunscreen: Repeat after us: Apply, lounge, reapply, swim, reapply. Your future self will thank you. Look for a moisturizing mineral formula for your body and a weightless, nongreasy fluid for your face.
Juice Beauty ($16); Lancer Sheer Fluid Sun Shield SPF 30 ($55)
SPF lip balm: You didn’t forget the most sensitive skin on your face, did you? We didn’t think so.
All Good ($8)
Moët & Chandon
Bubbly: OK, we’re not telling you to sneak wine onto the beach. But we’re just saying that if you did want to, miniature bottles of Moët brut or cans of Ruza rosé are kind of the ideal size.
Moët & Chandon ($100); Ruza ($14)
Hair protection: Your mane needs its own form of sunscreen, especially if it’s color-treated. (You paid good money for that balayage, sister.) Look for a leave-in conditioner or UV-blocking spray to keep your strands hydrated and protected.
Aveda ($28)
Phone protection: Your phone is basically your other half, but water, salt air and sand can wreak havoc on it. Pick up a water-resistant case. You’ll breathe a sigh of relief at some point.
FitFort ($15 for four)
Phone battery extender: Spend all day at the beach and then head straight to cocktails—without stressing about finding an outlet.
RavPower ($13)
Polaroid/Facebook
Camera: Sure, your phone takes decent pics, but snapping on an adorable Polaroid that lets you edit and print right there on the spot is way more fun.
Polaroid ($180)
Water bottle: Stay hydrated (and earth-friendly) with a reusable bottle that keeps liquids cold for up to 24 hours.
S’well ($35)
Sandals: You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic ’flops.
Havaianas ($40)
Snacks: There’s something about the sun, sand and surf that always leaves us starving. Skip the overpriced grease bombs at the snack stand by coming prepared with a refreshing mini fruit bowl from Citarella Hamptons, the easy-to-pack and Long Island-made Viki’s Granola (for those with a sweet tooth) or Gaea’s Organic Olives (for those favoring the savory).