Tuesday Ten: At the Beach

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1. Bathing Suit

A super cute bathing suit is a major must have when you're heading to the pool or beach.  There are so many fun styles out there so whether you're into sexy one pieces, teenie bikinis, or retro styles there's something out there for everyone.  Color blocking and neons are definitely a huge trend for bathing suits and I love the one pictured above by Maaji (shop the top and bottom).

2. Cover Up

Next, another important piece for your day in the sun is an adorable cover up.  Since I was a little girl my Mom always taught me the importance of wearing a cover up with sleeves because it gives you an extra layer of protection against the harmful sun rays.  While ideally you'll be spending most of the time without this on, it's perfect for wearing to and from the beach or pool or if you've gotten a bit too much sun while you're still there.  Lately I have been obsessed with shirt dress style cover ups like this one from Tommy Bahama. 

3. Sunglasses

I have blue eyes and seriously cannot even see in the sun because it actually burns them, as a result you will always catch me in sunglasses no matter the time of year, but especially in the summer.  When I was about ten a friend of my Mom developed cataracts at only forty, her doctor told her if she had been diligent about shielding her blue eyes from the sun it could have been prevented; the first thing she did when she finished her appointment was call my Mom to tell her to immediately get me sunglasses and I have worn them religiously ever since.  In the summer the sun is at it's strongest so make sure to take care and cover your eyes no matter the color.  I always keep a less expensive pair to bring to the beach with me and I'm loving this tortoiseshell pair.

4. Floppy Straw Hat

In case you can't tell my theme when I go to the beach is to protect myself from the sun as much as possible.  Floppy hats are great because they are both fashionable and help to shield your hair, scalp, face, and neck from the sun.  Who doesn't love something that does double duty?  When it comes to floppy hats I say the bigger the better and just adore this one.

5. Flip Flops

I'm pretty particular when it comes to my footwear at the beach and always stick with a pair of Havaianas.  I'm not a huge fan of the sand and I love it does not stick to these, they are also super durable and shield my feet from the sand when it is scorching. 

6. Sunscreen

I am somewhat of a sunscreen aficionado because I have such fair skin.  I have tried countless brands of sunscreen and have been exclusively using Neutrogena for years.  Their products provide some of the highest SPFs available and never irritate my sensitive skin or clog my pores.  I use this type for my face and this for my body.  No matter what your skin color sunscreen is an essential for any time you will be outside, trust me your skin will thank you later in life.

7. Hair Ties

Hair ties are super important at the beach to keep your hair out of your face.  I prefer to put my hair in a braid when I'm at the beach or the pool to keep it neat and out of the way.

8. Lip Balm with SPF

Some of the worst sunburns I've seen have been on people's lips, which is why it's essential to wear lip balm with some SPF in it.  In addition to protecting your lips from the sun this will also moisturize them and prevent any dryness the sun and saltwater (or chlorine) may cause.  I'm dying to try this balm by Supergoop.!

9. Wide Tooth Comb

Your hair is most fragile when it's wet, which is why you should only ever use a wide tooth comb on wet hair and be extra gentle with it.  Combing your hair with one after swimming is a great way to prevent your hair from becoming a tangled mess and help to put it up.

10. Conditioner

The sun and salt or chlorine water take a major toll on your hair so moisturizing it will help to prevent dryness and breakage.  Before getting wet I like to take conditioner and rub it on my ends to prevent it from absorbing the water, this is especially important for blondes going into a chlorinated pool because hair can only absorb so much moisture and if it's full of it from the conditioner then it will not absorb the moisture or chemicals from the pool that can cause your hair to turn green.  When I'm done swimming I put a large dollop of conditioner in my hair and work it through, I then brush it and put it in a braid.  Hair Food by Clairol is my go to deep conditioner because it gives your hair a super hydration boost, is formulated without parabens or mineral oil, and smells so good.

*Bonus: Water

When you spend a day in the sun you can easily get dehydrated which is why it is so important to bring water and drink it throughout the day.  Carry it in style in an adorable water bottle by S'well, these bottles are made from BPA-free stainless steel and they keep liquids cold for twenty-four hours or hot for twelve, in addition to all of these great features they come in so many fun patterns and colors! I'm loving this, this, and this.

  

                

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Today I'm linking up with Confident Twosday, Style Sessions, and Trend Spin Linkup.