Beach Essentials - Beauty Edition

I throw random things into my beach bag. A book I'll 'read', my headphones and iPod I wind up using instead of the book, a magazine I again 'read' but really just scan the pictures, and all of the following essentials. They're technically considered 'beauty' products but to me they're just necessary items...especially all the spf. So go on and get your beach bag ready for these babies!

1. Leave in Conditioner - Salty, wavy hair is definitely a trend but it can wreak havoc on your hair, especially when sitting in the sun for hours. I've used Aussie leave in conditioner for years and have also been using It's a 10. (LOVE them both) Gets the knots out in a cinch and moisturizes my hair without leaving it feeling oily or weighed down. Quick rinse in the beach shower after a dip in the ocean, a few spritz, and run a wide tooth comb through your hair. Silky, smooth, happy hair.

2. Say Yes to Cucumbers face wipes - I've tried lots of makeup wipes and these are by far my favorite. I use them after a night out to remove a full face of makeup but I also use them after the gym or a workout to get the sweat and dirt off my face. They leave my face fresh and actually clean feeling, while other wipes left my skin with the feeling of an oily film on my face or sticky. My go to when wanting to wipe sweat away from a hot, humid beach day.

3. Face sunscreen - It's important to treat your face extra special, even in the sun. Body sunscreen is heavy and isn't always meant (or good) for your face. Use specific face sunscreen instead. I usually put 50 on my nose and 30 on the rest of my face - don't forget your lips!

4. Waterproof mascara - I'm not one for wearing make-up at the beach. Whatsoever. I honestly don't get the point. You're sweating in the hot, hot sun and swimming in salty goodness. So this isn't really an essential for me, but if you MUST...waterproof mascara is liquid gold. 

5. Body sunscreen - I tan easily but I still use sunscreen. I usually use 15 or 30 but I like the spray oil form to still give my skin an extra little somethin'! If you don't tan easily, don't think laying in the sun more often with less sunscreen will change that. Use sunscreen at all times, simple as that.

6. Water (lots of it) - while the saltwater can be great for your skin, the combo of sun and salt can be extremely dehydrating for you and your skin. Be sure to stay hydrated with lots of water. Reusable water bottles are your (and the environment's) best friend in this case -- side note, have you seen this crazy pocket-sized water bottle??