Summer/Vacation season is creeping in and I can't tell you how excited I am to be lounging around in a bikini all day, every day. Not to mention the crazy amount of cute beach wear that I am seeing almost every where now.
With so much to choose from and a my beach bag only having so much space, here are some essentials you NEED for the summer or before you go on vacay:
UVA and UVB Sunglasses
It isn't a vacation without the sun beaming so bright, you need to wear obnoxious sun glasses to curb the glare. Sunglasses are an essential on the beach - duh. But what is more essential is the quality of your sunglasses - because it really matters! Remember when purchasing your shades to grab ones with 90-100% protection from UVA and UVB light so your eyes stay protected!
This pair called "Aubrey" from Warby Parker right here in Toronto is made 100% UVB protection and starts at just $150. A great option if you're on a budget and need a good, long lasting pair.
Sunscreen! Sunscreen!
Although tanning or being out in the sun may feel AMAZING when you're on vacation, without the proper protection it can really pay its price on your skin. Before you go on vacation, really invest some time into finding a quality sunscreen with a high SPF that has low chemicals and toxins. Some sunscreens are actually worse for you than the sun (I know mind-blown!) so make sure you do your research and pick the best quality, like these ones!!
https://www.drunkelephant.com/products/umbra-sheer-physical-defense-spf-30, https://www.neutrogena.com/sun/sensitive-skin-sunscreen-lotion-broad-spectrum-spf-60/6887260.html, https://www.amazon.ca/Roche-Posay-Anthelios-Mineral-Ultra-Sunscreen/dp/B004W55086
Cute and Chic Sandals
A pair of cute and funky sandals can spice up any look on the beach. Honestly, I usually just toss on a nude or black bikini and then have my sandals steal the show. These ones from Revolve can be paired with any bathing suit your heart desires, classic or wild!
http://www.revolve.com/kahara-slide/dp/SCHU-WZ347/?d=Womens§ionURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.revolve.com%2Fnew%2Fall-new-items%2Fbr%2F7f5946%2F%3Fnavsrc%3Dhp2_main_f_0%26hsclk5862%3D1&srcType=dp_recs, http://www.revolve.com/raye-judah-slide/dp/RAYE-WZ747/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=62&itrownum=21&itcurrpage=1&itview=01, http://www.revolve.com/splendid-baldwyn-slide/dp/SPLENDID-WZ124/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=83, http://www.revolve.com/raye-silvie-sandal/dp/RAYE-WZ453/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=23&itrownum=8&itcurrpage=1&itview=01, http://www.revolve.com/matiko-azula-sandal/dp/MATI-WZ251/?d=Womens&page=3&lc=56&itrownum=19&itcurrpage=3&itview=01
An Instagram Worthy Hat
The skin on your face is so so so delicate, so ditch the treacherous sun exposure on your face with a chic and trendy hat! I love Revolve or Nordstrom for hat shopping, they have a really big selection and they always slay with their options. I mean, this one from Revolve screams "Look at me! I'm on vacation, and I am oh so chic!"
Swim Suit
Swim suits are what dreams are made of, seriously I love a good bathing suit. They're so comfortable and liberating! However, finding some good, supportive, and quality ones can be tricky. These swim suits are from some amazing Canadian designers who know exactly what quality and trendy mean.
Want more on Canadian swim suits? Stay tuned for our top Canadian Swim Suit Designers article.
https://www.andreaiyamah.com/collections/all/products/yahya-swimsuit-tophttps://www.gattina.ca/shop/dallas-top-amber-briefhttps://bethrichards.ca/collections/new-arrivals/products/sophia-top-blackhttps://juneswimwear.com/collections/all-swimwear
A Good Book OR Magazine
Because who doesn't get bored sitting under the sun for a couple of hours? We sure do, so you can bet we've got a few magazines and book packed away in our beach bag to keep our minds racing. Here are some of our top picks:
Our motivating to start over pick: Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong (2017)
Our pop culture pick: All The Lives I Want: Essays About My Best Friends Who Happen To Be Famous Strangers by Alana Massey (2017)
Our thriller pick: The Party by Elizabeth Day (2017)
Our history pick: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014)
Our crying pick: The Salt House by Lisa Duffy (2017)
Our Millennial pick: Startup by Doree Shafrir (2017)
A Hydrating Moisturizer
Like sunscreen, picking a good moisturizer with a high SPF and low chemicals is a necessity. Not only will it protect your fragile skin but it will also keep your skin moisturized and hydrated through out your time on the beach or on vacay.
This one by Josie Maran is out favourite. Not only does it have an SPF of 47 but it's "lightweight, translucent, natural, chemical free and has been formulated with SunBoost ATB™—a unique blend of antioxidants, skin-soothers, and hydrators". I mean, what else could you ask for in a moisturizer?
Beach Bags
Last but not least, you need a bag, oh yes a bag. I love beach bags, they can pull your whole beach look together AND they can literally fit anything and everything. These ones I've chosen from Revolve are big enough to fit all the aforementioned products and then some. ..
http://www.revolve.com/ellen-james-large-greek-raffia-bag/dp/EAMR-WY1/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=2, http://www.revolve.com/agua-bendita-serena-bag/dp/AGUA-WY9/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=14&itrownum=5&itcurrpage=1&itview=01, http://www.revolve.com/pitusa-straw-handbag/dp/PITR-WY7/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=25&itrownum=9&itcurrpage=1&itview=01, http://www.revolve.com/florabella-wilmington-tote/dp/FLOR-WY15/?d=Womens&page=1&lc=27&itrownum=9&itcurrpage=1&itview=01