BEACH ES-SUN-TIALS
Must-haves while catching those fleeting summer rays
And here they are: The dog days of summer. Your best bet to combat their heat is with as many days at the beach, pond, lake or pool as possible. But you can’t just be running off unprepared. No, ma’am. Besides the obvious (a towel, your favorite book of the moment and a killer suit and pair of shades), make sure all of these essentials are in your beach bag:
Wide-brimmed hat: Protect your face from intense rays. I know, I know — it’s easy to want to soak up the sun. But we absolutely must protect our skin from damaging exposure. So how about something cute and sassy that keeps your skin healthy and looking pretty in the long run, like the Chistrap Jules sunhat ($106 at hatattack.com)?
A smart sunscreen: Mineral sunscreen is better for you and better for the environment. We don’t want to be doing any more damage to coral reefs. And Naturally Serious’ Mineral Sun Defense Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 ($34 on sephora.com) has a universal tint for a nongreasy, sheer finish while providing a nice dose of antioxidants.
A super versatile beach blanket: The cotton-blend ChappyWrap ($135 on chappywrap.com) washes easily,
with a fiber content that keeps it fluffy wash after wash. It’s so soft, it works well as a wrap in the evenings when the sun goes down and it gets a bit cooler. Or, take it out on the boat for added warmth. They’re a tad pricier, but I haven’t found any other blanket that’s the right weight, maintains its fluffiness so well or has so many adorable patterns.
Water bottles that do the job: Stay ultra-hydrated in the heat, and use a beautiful glass bottle that’s as good for the environment as it is good for you. Exhibit A: The 25 oz. Glass Water Bottle by Soma ($35 on drinksoma.com).
Backup charger: Sure, we all want to disconnect. But sometimes unplugging is even harder than staying connected. Make sure you have enough power to get you through a long day in the sun with a powerhouse that’s got your back like one of the Mophie power station hookups (starting at $49 at mophie.com). Because honestly, who wants to miss a picture of that perfect summer sunset because your phone was dead?