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Get ready for a beach day with me: 11 essentials that I can't leave the house without — all under $75

Here's my list for everything I need for a perfect day in the sun: Sunscreen, water bottle, sunglasses & more.

someone wearing a trucker hat for the beach, holding a baby oil sunscreen, and holding an owala water bottle
11 beach day essentials that I can't go without. (Photos via Melina Brum)

July is gone, but summer isn't over quite yet; we still have the rest of August to bask in the sunshine. I've been enjoying soaking up the sun these days, especially when I catch the weather being hot as heck. I never want to miss the perfect opportunity to hit up the beach, which is why I'm taking advantage of the summer days left — and you should too!

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If you want to join me and see all of my essential accessories for the perfect beach day, I've listed my main must-haves below. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready with me for a fun, sandy day ahead. Let's pack our bags together! 🏖️


The Clear Backpack Mini 10L. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The Clear Backpack Mini 10L. (GIF via Melina Brum)

This clear backpack is honestly perfect for the beach. I don't have to worry about sand getting stuck in frisky fabric, and the plastic-y material is easy to wash or rinse out. Since everything is visible, I can spot where my sunscreen is hiding when I need to top up quickly. It's also the perfect size, too — not too big or too small.


The Vacation Baby Oil SPF 30. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The Vacation Baby Oil SPF 30. (GIF via Melina Brum)

Of course, it's important to stay protected from harmful rays, so sunscreen is an absolute must. I love a good oil SPF that helps give me glowy skin. What can I say? It showcases the tan better. This one from Vacation gives the ultimate shine and has a fantastic smell, too.


The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Weightless Moisturizer. (GIF via Melina Brum)

The sun always dries my skin out, so it's essential to have a moisturizer on hand. It's extra important to ensure it has SPF, too, since I'll be consistently reapplying throughout the day. This Bioré one is perfect — it's lightweight and has a citrusy scent that's nice and refreshing.


The large beach towel. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The large beach towel. (GIF via Melina Brum)

One thing I hate is a beach towel that's too small; it always results in a super sandy experience, which is totally not my vibe. Oversized beach towels are the way to go, and I can't emphasize that enough. I purchased mine at Winners, but there are tons of options on Amazon, Anthropologie and more.


The Mini Handheld Fan. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The Mini Handheld Fan. (GIF via Melina Brum)

I don't want to complain about hot weather when we only have it for a short amount of time, but sometimes it gets unbearable on the beach. You're laying there, trying to soak up the sun, but the heat starts getting to you. Enter a mini handheld fan to save the day. I love this one from Amazon — it's rechargeable, and the battery lasts for a long time.


The Keep It Up Cowgirl Trucker Hat. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The Keep It Up Cowgirl Trucker Hat. (GIF via Melina Brum)

Another way to keep the rays out of your face is to rock a good ol' cap. I love a trucker hat (and any nod to early aughts fashion, to be honest), and this one from Revolve is super cute. It has the perfect fit for my head, which isn't small nor large, and suits my thick hair nicely.


The Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle. (GIF via Melina Brum)

Staying hydrated is so important when spending time in the sun. My Owala is the ideal beach water bottle, thanks to its push-button lid that keeps the spout locked and protected. There's no chance of leakage or sand slipping in. Speaking of the FreeSip spout, it's my favourite part of the bottle — I can choose to sip from the straw or chug from the opening.

  • Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle


The SOJOS Retro Oval Sunglasses. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The SOJOS Retro Oval Sunglasses. (GIF via Melina Brum)

The key to not losing expensive sunglasses is to not bring them to the beach, am I right? Amazon is a great place to score cute sunglasses at really affordable prices. These ones look like the Celine Triomphe Metal sunglasses but at a fraction of the cost. They're chic, comfortable and UV-protective.


The Aerie Wide Rib Cut Out Ring One Piece Swimsuit. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The Aerie Wide Rib Cut Out Ring One Piece Swimsuit. (GIF via Melina Brum)

A bathing suit is an obvious must when it comes to chillin' by the water (it kinda goes without saying). Aerie makes some of my favourite bathing suits, including this red one-piece. It's comfortable and not too revealing, which is the perfect beach attire, in my opinion.


The Classic Slide. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The Classic Slide. (GIF via Melina Brum)

Shoes at the beach are a pain, so it's important to bring ones that are easy to wash. These Crocs slides are my go-to because they're lightweight, comfortable and can be rinsed without hassle. Plus, they're wearable in the water in case the shore is painfully rocky.


The Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush. (GIF via Melina Brum)
The Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush. (GIF via Melina Brum)

One of my pet peeves? Tangled hair, especially when I'm sweating buckets; hence, I need a mini hairbrush on hand at the beach. The sand and water mixed with the wind on a breezy day is a recipe for a messy-hair disaster. This Tangle Teezer brush gets the knots out effortlessly (and painlessly).

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