My Beach Bag Essentials

Southern Curls and Pearls beach bag essentials
For today’s post, I thought I’d do something a little different and share what’s in my beach bag! I have been going to the beach every summer since I was age 0 (when my mom was pregnant with me – haha), so I have my beach bag essentials down to a science.
To start with, a spacious beach bag is a must. I love my Eliza Gran tote because it’s huge and can fit everything I need inside – including a towel! I’ve used this same one since last summer, it has survived a lot of beach trips and is still in great condition. I love the pom poms on both sides – they add so much character to the bag. You can also order the same bag with pom poms in white and blue!  The bag I own is very sturdy and is worth the investment, however this bag is a great dupe for only $35! 
Tory Burch makeup case
Next up, I always bring a waterproof case like this one to hold everything I don’t want to get wet: my keys, chapstick, money, etc. It also helps to keep everything organized. If you have a big beach bag, it’s easy to throw things inside and they get lost – if you put small items in a case, it keeps them all safe in one place. Plus the crab print on this one is too cute!
Kate Spade phone case
 Sunglasses are a definitely must-have for the beach. It’s not about fashion – did you know your eyes can be harmed from UV rays, just like your skin? Your sunglasses should block 90 to 100% of UV rays and also absorb most HEV rays. My favorite sunglasses right now are these in black (they are so cute on!) and they block 100% of UV rays. 
Another essential is my iPhone (and a cute iPhone case) and headphones! I love listening to music or audiobooks on the beach while I’m laying out. Sam Hunt is my favorite artist right now and I can’t get enough of his songs! 
I also bring lip products with SPF (this one is my favorite even though it’s not pictured). In Curacao, I forgot lip balm with SPF and my bottom lip swelled up from sunburn – it hurt SO BAD! So I will never forget again 🙂 There are a few drugstore lipsticks shown in the above photo – I’m doing an entire blog post on my favorite drugstore lipsticks soon!
 MinkPink one piece swimsuit
COOLA sunscreen is the best!
Next – sunscreen! I started using this brand of sunscreen a while ago and absolutely love it – it’s made of organic ingredients and also includes anti-aging properties in the formula. The piña colada scent is my absolute favorite, it smells good enough to eat! The face sunscreen actually helps reduce pores… and really works. 
hair products to bring with you to the beach - this wet brush gets out all of the tangles while your hair is wet!
I also always bring hair products with me to the beach since the sun and salt water can be really harsh on your hair. This brush works like MAGIC for getting tangles out of your hair while it’s wet… it doesn’t pull your hair out at all and is gentle on all hair types. This spray-on detangler is also amazing (I included it in Friday’s blog post) and makes your hair soft and manageable. Whenever I go swimming in the ocean, I like to spray on detanger and brush it out – if I let it dry, I will NEVER get it detangled! 
A few other things I always pack in my beach bag:
A water bottle with lots of ice! When you’re out in the sun all day, it’s important to drink lots of water. Ice water tastes amazing on the beach. I picked up my water bottle from one of the cute beach stores for $5! 
And lastly, I ALWAYS bring a puzzle book with me to the beach. I love the variety puzzle book that can be found at any drugstore – for some reason, my mom and I both love working on puzzles on the beach! Laying out can get boring, so it’s fun to have a puzzle to work on while you’re doing it.
What's in my beach bag
What to pack for the beach
I’d love to hear what you guys bring to the beach, or if you think I’m missing anything! It’s supposed to rain all day today, so if you have any fun post ideas for me and Emily (that can be done indoors) let me know in the comments!
xoxo
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46 Comments

  1. Alright, so first: I LOVE this towel!!!

    And second: You look absolutely stunning <3

    xo Vanessa | http://www.TheTrendique.com

    5.18.16Reply
  2. Your beach bag is the CUTEST! I swear by Unite's detangler. It really is so good. Love your suit too!

    Fizz and Frosting​

    5.18.16Reply
  3. I use that sunscreen too! I love it!

    Her Heartland Soul
    herheartlandsoul.com

    5.18.16Reply
  4. I love your swimsuit!!!!
    Be Happy with Fashion

    5.18.16Reply
  5. You always have the cutest earrings! 😛

    Shall We Sasa

    5.18.16Reply
  6. These are great beach essentials! Your one piece is gorgeous!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    5.18.16Reply
  7. Super cute and colourful post! I miss the beach time!!

    http://www.lartoffashion.com/2016/05/18/visit-croatia-pelegrini/

    5.18.16Reply
  8. LOVED this post! And love your swimsuit!

    http://www.rosyoutlookblog.com

    5.18.16Reply
  9. Cutest beach bag! My wet brush is a game changer for the beach!

    5.18.16Reply
  10. I wish I could be on the beach right now. You look lovely!
    Love,
    http://thestyleventure.com/2016/05/16/on-the-go-with-otterbox/

    5.18.16Reply
  11. I also always bring a headband so that when it gets hot I can throw it on and keep my hair out of my face!! I have a similar post here:

    http://courtneydrew.com/a-look-inside-my-beach-tote

    5.18.16Reply
  12. This swimsuit is so cute!! What a great beach bag too. Love the pom poms.

    How Gorgeous

    5.18.16Reply
  13. So darn adorable!!! I love that bathing suit and those earrings. You look stunning.

    xo,
    Sara Kate Styling

    5.18.16Reply
  14. That swimsuit is absolutely gorgeous! I love the colouring of it. Enjoy the beach!

    Love from South Africa

    Arum Lilea

    5.18.16Reply
  15. Wow your swimsuit is SO cute! I love your straw bag too, I need it!
    xx
    Ash
    http://www.ashleyannplan.com

    5.18.16Reply
  16. Anonymous

    You and Emily should do a make up tutorial or a haul! would love to see some tips and tricks 🙂

    5.18.16Reply
  17. Anonymous

    You and Emily should do a make up tutorial or a haul. Would love to see some tips and tricks 🙂

    5.18.16Reply
  18. What a cute post! I'm obsessed with your bathing suit! (:

    xoxo
    Amy | Pastel N Pink

    5.18.16Reply
  19. You're swimsuit is too cute for words! Love it!

    5.18.16Reply
  20. Your suit is so cute and so flattering! I love it! 🙂

    Rachel
    Simply Rachel Nicole

    5.18.16Reply
  21. What a cute bag and love the pom poms and the color plus I just love your bathing suit. I also just bought the same earrings as you.

    Jackie | fashionxfairytale |

    5.18.16Reply
  22. Great post! A well organized beach bag is a must!

    xo, Carey
    https://thedaintydetails.wordpress.com

    5.18.16Reply
  23. You should do a q&a post! You can ask people to tweet you questions and then answer them in tomorrow's blog post. It would be easy for you to do while sitting in doors : )
    http://www.amemoryofus.com

    5.18.16Reply
  24. Definitely getting some of that sunscreen! I've been looking for a good organic kind and that one sounds like it smells delicious!!

    xo, Shelby
    http://www.prettyinthepines.com

    5.18.16Reply
  25. I have been going to the NC shore ((Atlantic Beach)) since my mom was pregnant with me too! haha .. These are all great things to have with you on the beach, esp that organic sunscreen! I also like to keep my phone in a clear zip-up pouch so that it stays dry but I can also still see the screen and type! A zip lock bag also works for this!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

    5.18.16Reply
  26. You are too cute!! I love everything about this! I have that brush for my 4 year old toddler and it works wonders.

    xoxo
    Yari
    http://www.dreamgorgeously.com/

    5.18.16Reply
  27. That is the cutest bathing suit!! I'm definitely all about the sunscreen. I like the ones with the cool spray because Florida beaches are super hot!

    xo, Nina
    Law of Fashion Blog

    5.18.16Reply
  28. absolutely adorable! this suit is too cute on you! xo

    @stylemelauren
    http://www.stylemelauren.com

    5.18.16Reply
  29. Cute bathing suit!

    xoxo
    Sharan
    http://www.MyGoldenBeauty.com

    5.18.16Reply
  30. Great post! You look gorgeous!

    popangelscloset.blogspot.com

    5.18.16Reply
  31. That swimsuit is too cute!

    http://www.giltedgeblog.com

    5.18.16Reply
  32. Great post idea! I love the tip of putting things like your keys into a separate bag inside your beach bag!

    http://www.blushandbordeaux.com

    5.18.16Reply
  33. Such a great post, I'm going to have to pick up the Target dupe for your beach bag! I also love bringing the Evian water mist with me to the beach, you should check it out! It's so refreshing and helps keep me from overheating while laying out!

    xoox, SS

    The Southern Stylista

    5.19.16Reply
  34. Love your suit and earrings! Can't wait to see more from you and Emily!

    HashtagFabLife

    5.19.16Reply
  35. Wow so cute. Love everything.
    xoxo, Rachel
    http://www.rachelvogttrends.com

    5.19.16Reply
  36. That is such a cute and unique swimsuit! The cut outs are so cute!!

    Jordan: The Teacup of Style
    Instagram: @teacupofstyle

    5.19.16Reply
  37. I love your swimsuit!

    Lauren,
    http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/

    5.19.16Reply
  38. I'm from Malibu, California, I concur with all these essentials! Not a single thing I would add. How about making the most of a cozy day?

    5.19.16Reply
  39. That sunscreen is exactly what I have been looking for! So excited to try it out.
    Kari
    http://www.sweetteasweetie.com

    5.19.16Reply
  40. What an adorable bag!

    5.20.16Reply
  41. Loving this Swimsuit! Will Have to buy this for my trip to Cancun!

    5.21.16Reply
  42. This blog post gets me SO excited for summer! I love that cosmetic bag print.

    sam
    http://www.samanthasuarez.com

    5.22.16Reply
  43. Beautiful photos. I LOVE your beach bag.

    Blonde in Cashmere

    5.22.16Reply
  44. Definitely a great list of essentials! I've got my very own top 6 must-haves for the beach as well. Have a look at them here:
    http://lifewithaudrey21.blogspot.com/2016/12/top-6-beach-must-haves-for-summer.html

    Life With Audrey

    12.17.16Reply