1. BEACH BAG TOTE
Let’s start with the basics, a tote large enough to
hold all your essentials. Opt for something lightweight, like an overside canvas beach bag, or opt for a waterproof beach bag. I picked up my black mesh tote from Primark for just
£3.00.
2. BEACH TOWEL
Whether you’re spending the day on the beach, or by the
poolside a beach towel is essential. Pick a fun, vibrant and preferably large towel
that you can lounge on, dry off on, cover up with and protect yourself with
from the wind. ASDA have a great selection of cheap beach towels starting from £5, but if you know me, you’ll know I couldn’t resist this large pineapple printed beach towel from John Lewis when I spotted it online. Obsessed.
3. BIKINI
Picking swimwear can be an awfully tricky task.
Chose something that flatters your shape, or opt for something snazzy and waterproof like a
4. BEACH COVER UP
Pack a beach cover up to throw over your swimwear.
Primark’s offering is currently on point. I picked up mine pictured above for
£10.00 and wore it all holiday! But remember you can still catch the sun through sheer clothing, so
take cover under a parasol and pack a floppy hat.
5. FLIP-FLOPS
Leave your expensive sandals back in your hotel room and pack a
pair of simple rubber flip-flops - a beach bag essential! You don’t have to worry about them getting
wet or ruined and they are easy to chuck on and remove. Again Primark, £1.00. Bargain.
6. SUNGLASSES
You all know the drill, protect your eyes and your skin with sunglasses. Squinting when reading is not fun, nor is wrinkles! So pack your favourite sunglasses. I picked my Ray-Ban Classic Clubmaster Sunglasses.
7. SPF
You’d be a fool not to lather up with SPF. There is so
much choice on the market from gel, creams and sprays, waterproof and all day
formulas so make sure you pick something best suited for you. Remember SPF is
your #1 holiday requirement so invest money into your protection and pack a
body, face and lip SPF. My favourite brand of sunscreen is Piz Buin. It’s
lightweight and non greasy.
8. HYDRATING MIST
My skin gets parched after sitting in the sun and a
hydrating mist does the job of taking that tight feeling away. My top choice is the Avène Thermal Water Spray, its soothing and anti-irritating. It is also great for helping to treat sunburn.
9. READING MATERIAL
On holiday I’m a book whore, that may be little crass, but true, last year I read 4 books in the space of 7 days. So I always make
sure I've packed my favourite paper back, or picked up a glossy magazine (or two) in the
airport. On my recent trip to Greece I read ‘I Let You Go’ by Clare Mackinstosh in less than 24 hours - highly recommend you give it a read, especially if you liked 'Gone Girl'!
10. IPOD & HEADPHONES
The sounds of the waves may be heavenly, but it’s nice
to have the option to bathe to a bit of Beyonce. Create a playlist of your
favourite songs and don’t forget to pack your headphones.
11. HAND SANITISER
Any bag should contain hand
sanitiser. Need I tell you why? Soap & Glory offer the best antibacterial hand gel. It smells like grapefruit, dries quickly, isn’t sticky and costs just £2.50.