As a beauty editor, when I go to the beach, you bet I'm well-prepared with a slew of products. Aside from a ton of sun protection [1], I prefer a few hair and makeup items as well that won't feel heavy on my skin but allow me to look put together. Friends always look to me when they've forgotten lip balm, are trying to avoid a burn [2], or are realizing their hair is a tangled mess [3] of sand and sea. Thankfully, I've learned to always bring enough to share.
Ahead, check out what I keep in my beach makeup bag to be prepared for every not-so-sunny situation.
Waterproof Mascara
I prefer to have my lashes look long and thick regardless of the occasion, so I always wear mascara. While I'm sweating it out at the beach, I find it's best to opt for a waterproof version like the Urban Decay Perversion Waterproof Mascara [4] ($24).
Gel Blush
I'm obsessed with the natural-looking watercolor effect of gel blushes. The Chantecaille Aqua Blush [5] ($44) also feels cold as you glide it across your cheeks, providing some much-needed relief from the sweltering sun.
Body Sunscreen
Never go to the beach without a sunscreen. I always pack a new bottle of a spray variety, like Coola Suncare Sport Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 30 [6] ($20-$36), which I know both myself and my friends will be more likely to reapply given the convenience.
Facial Sunscreen
It's vital to keep a new bottle of facial sunscreen with you — expired ones won't protect you as well. The completely non-greasy Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42 [7] ($35) is a staple in my bag.
Powder Sunscreen
When it comes time for touch-ups, I sweep the Colorescience Sunforegettable Total Protection Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 50 [8] ($65) over my face to keep myself protected without ruining my makeup. Plus, it takes away the inevitable shine my oily skin produces.
A Lip Balm With SPF
You might not know this, but your lips can get sunburned, too (and it can be very painful). I always keep the Sun Bum Tinted Lip Balm Nude Beach SPF 15 [9] ($6) in my bag for a little bit of color and protection.
A Cream Bronzer
When I want a quick and natural makeup look, I take the Nudestix Nudies Matte Blush & Bronze [10] ($32) in Bondi Bae and use it to quickly contour my face. It blends quickly and easily and adds a little extra oomph to an otherwise no-makeup makeup look.
A Great Detangling Brush
After a dip in the ocean, I like to make sure I get all the knots out of my hair with a gentle brush like the Tangle Teezer Compact Style Hair Brush [11] ($16). This one has a cover for the bristles so it stays clean and safe from sand in your bag.