What's in My Beach Bag

With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, it's officially beach season here in New England! One of my Instagram followers suggested I put together a blog post on what's in my beach bag, and I thought it was such a great idea that I'm taking her advice today! :)

I have my beach bag packing down to a science at this point - since the beach is my happy place, I love to get out the door and into my car as fast as I can! ;) Today's guide has all of my beach essentials, whether I'm on vacation or just at my favorite local beach, Plum Island in Newburyport. 

Let me know what you think of my picks in the comments below! What do you pack in your beach bag?

beach bag: Ame & Lulu 'Easy Tote' in Villa print {68.} this bag is the perfect shape, size and material for a day at the beach! It's durable, easy to wash and fits everything I need inside it. Plus, it comes in a ton of fun colors and patterns!
facial sunscreen: Lancome 'Bienfait Multi-Vital' SPF 30 {$46.} this is the only facial sunscreen that keeps my skin protected, hydrated and smooth without breaking me out. I swear by it!
beach blanket: Target ombre 'Beach Towel for Two' {$20.} I bring this to the beach with me every time I go, even if I'm going solo! it's soft and big enough for me to spread out and nap on.
bikinis: I buy most of my bikinis from ASOS because they carry super affordable DD+ swim tops. right now I'm crushing on this all white bikini with wrap triangle top {$33} and simple bottoms {$14.50}
cover up: I love cover ups that are easy to throw on but also pretty, like the periwinkle lace one I'm wearing in the top photo above. unfortunately that one's sold out, but this white crochet dress by Zinke {$139} is really similar!
lightweight sweater: the beaches in New England can get chilly and windy, so I always like to keep a lightweight, oversized, open weave sweater with me to put on over my bikini if I get cold. I've had the Bird by Juicy Couture one I wear all the time for at least 4 years now, but this Dex sweater from Nordstrom {$58} is almost identical in shape and color.
big floppy hat: on hot days when the sun is super strong, I always bring along a bit floppy hat to protect my face and shoulders from the rays. I like this crochet Topshop version {$40.}
sunglasses: I prefer my classic tortoiseshell Wayfarers for beach days {$155.}
lip protection: Fresh 'Sugar' lip treatment SPF 15 {$26.} keeps lips hydrated and protected all day!
body sunscreen: Neutrogena 'Beach Defense' SPF 30 spray {$10.} let's face it: I'm lazy, and this stuff is really easy to put! plus it keeps my skin protected from getting sunburned {or even a tan!}
flip flops: Havaianas 'Slim' in light golden {$26.} I hate flip flops, but they're kind of necessary at the beach. This is my favorite pair because they're durable and comfortable - I've had them for over 5 years now!
body sunscreen: Palmer's Cocoa Butter SPF 15 {$7.} the other sunscreen I use on my body if it's not that sunny out or if I want to allow myself to get a bit of a tan is this cocoa butter with SPF 15. It smells great and goes on like regular lotion!
eyelid sunscreen: Lancome Bienfait Multi-Vital Eye SPF 28 {$40.} don't forget to apply sunscreen to the delicate areas of your skin like eyelids, undereyes and the tips of your ears!
beach shoes: Sperry 'Katama' espadrilles {$60-$70.} as I said before, I really hate wearing flip flops or sandals of any kind, so you'll usually see me wearing these comfy Sperry flat espadrilles to the beach. I have them in white and pink as pictured in the second photo above, but there is a huge variety of color and pattern options!
wide headband: on the beach days where I don't feel like wearing a big hat, I like to cover up my scalp {especially my part which always gets super burnt!} with a comfy headband or headwrap. I'm loving the styles by local designer Vayda Girl - the blue and white houndstooth wrap in the second photo was made by her!

Oh, and don't forget to bring lots of water, some snacks, headphones to listen to music and your favorite magazines or books! :)