We're dreaming of those balmy beach days with our toes in the sand, salt in our hair, and plenty of time to relax and unwind. Here's our guide to the beach essentials you need to pack for your summer getaway, says editor Trudi Brewer.
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Heading to a tropical resort, to the family bach or spending summer having lazy days at your local beach, here is the guide to help you stay safe while having fun in the sun.
AVÈNE SUNSCREEN AQUA FLUID SPF50+, $28.
No beach beauty kit is complete without an SPF 50 sunscreen. It’s your greatest weapon against skin ageing, not to mention skin health. One of our go-to sunscreens brands is Avène - and here’s why. This lightweight sunscreen contains five active SPF photostable ingredients, blocking and reflecting the sun’s damaging rays. In addition, it includes a potent photostable vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, with glycerin. But what we love most about this sunscreen is all those ingredients are whipped with the soothing thermal spring water base - like all Avène skincare products. So even those with the most sensitive skin will tolerate this formula. It’s also paraben, alcohol and fragrance-free. Finally, it’s the perfect portable size for any beach or handbag.
To use: Apply 20 minutes before stepping outside in the sun, and don’t forget to reapply after swimming or exercising.
HASK ARGAN OIL REPAIRING 5-IN-1 LEAVE-IN SPRAY $15.
We love a multi-benefit beauty buy, and this hair healer is precisely that. First, the power of argan oil, stacked with antioxidants and vitamin E, strengthens each strand while boosting shine and elasticity and consistently restoring shine. Because our hair is subjected to constant damage with everyday pollution, chemical treatments, and hot tools, this leave-in spray protects it from heat and stress while hydrating it simultaneously. Finally, the formula is also free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, drying alcohol and artificial colours.
To use: Shake well. Spray generously on wet or dry hair and comb through. Do not rinse.
Lanolips Tinted Balm SPF 30, $18.
Lip balm can also be glam. Also stacked with a gorgeous pink pigment and an SPF30, the lanolin and Shea butter in the formula keeps your lips looking pretty and protected. It’s also free from nasties, including parabens, artificial fragrances, petrolatum, mineral oil and sulphates. There are four shades pictured here, Rhubarb.
Stay safe and stylish under the sun
We have all heard the mantra to slip, slop, slap, but we also like to wrap ourselves with a hat, clothing and sunglasses. According to nurse practitioner Katy Doherty, managing director of Espy Skin on Auckland's Takapuna, “There is no such thing as a safe tan; if you want a tan, get it out of a bottle, and don't lie under the sun.” Dressing for the beach is all about covering up during those hottest hours under the sun, from 11 am until 3 pm. Melanoma can be found anywhere - even in those places that never see the sun. For men, the most common spot is the back, and for women, most melanomas are found on the backs of their legs. Which means they are often behind us in places that are hard to see ourselves.” Read Doherty’s advice on how to check your skin for potential melanomas here
Gorman Dragonfruit Floppy hat, $69. Bassike Boyfriend shirt, $389. Bottega Veneta 1199 002 sunglasses, $695. Dock & Bay Michael Black Beach Towel Nothing Better $55.
How to style them in your home.