I thought since it was summer, I would do something different and do a post about my beach essentials, and my beach makeup.  These are just my personal essentials, and my sun/after sun care.

For makeup I just stick to tinted moisturizer with SPF and waterproof mascara.  I have seasonal allergies, so wearing mascara, even to the beach helps me to not rub my eyes.

A beach bag- I have an LL Bean made in Maine Boat and Tote bag that I got for a Christmas gift one year.  It’s the perfect size for what I need for the beach.  It’s also an awesome overnight/weekend bag!

Sunscreen- This one is a given.  My favorites are the Tarte Tarteguard SPF 30, and Colorescience Sunforgettable Loose Mineral Sunscreen Brush Broad Spectrum SPF 30 in the color medium.  These are both 100% mineral sunscreens and the Tarte sunscreen is hypoallergenic.  I use Colorescience on my face over my tinted moisturizer.

Bug Spray- I have an all natural bug spray that I bought from a local shop that is amazing.

Tanning Oil- I use the Australian Gold Bronzing Dry Oil Spray Intensifier.  I use this first and then apply my sunscreen, it works really well that way.  Even with sunscreen on top of it, it still intensifies my tan.

Living Proof Restore Instant Protection Spray– I spray this on my hair before I go to the beach, because it has UV protectors in it.  I have brown hair and my hair naturally gets lighter, which drives me crazy, therefore I use this so my hair is protected from the sun.

My iPod- Even though I don’t always use it, I always like having it.  I don’t have a beach proof case for it, so I just put it in a snack size ziplock bag.

A book or eReader- I have a Nook that is loaded with a lot of books, and sometimes I’ll bring a physical book too.  I love reading at the beach.  I got my case from Amazon.

When I get home from the beach, I always love using fresh aloe, even if I’m not sunburned (which is a rarity), it’s still really soothing.  Salt water can be really drying.  I also use the Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Marine Boosting Mist, it’s super refreshing and hydrating.