Pack Your (Beach) Bags: 10 Memorial Day Weekend Must-Haves

Whether you’re on vacation or plan to be spontaneous this Memorial Day Weekend, don’t leave your home (or hotel!) without packing your beach bag with these summer skin care must-haves!

Sunscreen

This is an obvious one, but we couldn’t risk you forgetting. Apply sunscreen to your body and face before leaving for the day—and bring the bottle with you so that you can re-apply at least every two hours! We are all about L’Oréal’s Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen Crystal Clear Mist in SPF 50. This SPF-packed sunscreen can help protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, can be applied to wet or dry skin, and comes in a spray bottle for an easy application—what’s not to love about that? You may also want to try SkinCeuticals’ Sheer Physical UV Defense in SPF 50 on your face. This lightweight sunscreen features a broad spectrum SPF and leaves your skin with a sheer, matte finish, perfect for the warmer weather!

A Wide-Brimmed Hat

Speaking of skin protection, you'll also want to throw on a wide-brimmed hat for some extra protection against the sun. We know you will be lathering up on sunscreen, but there’s no harm in being extra cautious—especially when it comes to the sun!

A Cover Up

If you plan to be in your bikini all day, wear a cover up that covers your shoulders and arms, as you may want to throw it on later in the day when your skin has had too much sun exposure. That way you can still have fun without moving the party inside. But, don’t forget to continue to reapply the sunscreen, UV rays can penetrate through some clothing material.

Sunglasses

Don’t forget a pair of sunglasses. Not only can they help you see through the bright sunshine, they can also protect your eyes, eyelids, and the delicate skin under your eyes from those harmful and skin damaging rays.

BB Cream & Concealer

Instead of wearing your full face, try the “no makeup” makeup look with a BB cream and concealer. Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB Cream has SPF 30, can help temporarily even the appearance your skin tone, and can soothe and hydrate the skin. Throw on some Dermablend Quick-Fix Concealer under your eyes and you’re good to go!

Lip Balm

We don’t head out for a day in the sun without lip balm with SPF, and neither should you! The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Lip Care Stick SPF 15 is great for a day at the beach—or anywhere, really. 

A Beach Towel

You should bring a beach towel with you—especially if you plan to be spontaneous. You may end up taking a dip in the pool, jumping in the lake, or simply needing a place to sit down while picnicking in the park.

A Change of Clothes

Whether you plan to go swimming or stay out all night, you may want to bring a change of clothes with you so that you will have something dry to wear for the rest of the day. If you know you won’t be going near any bodies of water, a light jacket or sweatshirt is always good to throw in your bag in case it gets chilly.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel should take up permanent residency in your beach bag, as you never know when you might need it! After a long day in the sun, aloe vera gel can help soothe your skin and may also give dry skin some needed hydration.