things you need at the beach

Spring Break is coming up, and we are actually going on a vacation! We are driving down to the beach! I am REALLY excited. I love the beach; it's one of my favorite places on earth!

sweet mother, I could live there.

So, to prepare myself for the joy of the sun and sand, and to prepare you for the copious amounts of beach-related posts coming up in the next few weeks, here are:

Things You Need at the Beach

(besides the usual swimsuits, towels, etc.)

1. Flip-flops that you don't mind tossing after you get home. Here's the deal. The sand on the beach is really hot. Like burn your tootsies hot. You're going to need some shoes that you can wear right up to the water, which means that they are very likely going to get salt water on them, sand, sunscreen, etc. Cute little sandals might get ruined. Grab a $2 pair of flippy-floppies at Walmart and call it a day!


2. Some waterproof mascara and shimmery primer.
Here are my faves:

Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara, $5.94 Walmart

I like this mascara, the brush is really fluffy, and it really does stay on your eyelashes.

Hard Candy Sheer Envy Illuminating Primer, $8 Walmart

This primer has little shimmery flecks in it, so as you're going straight from the beach to dinner, just put a small amount of this on, you'll look fresh-faced and dewy. 

3. Mangoes. Dudes, you'll thank me. Buy some fresh fruit and take it with you to the shore. Swimming and playing makes you hungry, and there's nothing better that fresh tropical fruit picked in season! Mangoes are my fave, but whatever blows your skirt up. Plus, if you get all sticky from the juice, just dip in the ocean, all clean!


4. A bathing suit cover-up that you don't mind wearing in public. Most cover-ups are kinda skimpy and small, you'll need something that you won't be embarrassed to be seen in if you have to go somewhere right from the beach. I like a cute patterned maxi or sundress. It looks like you're wearing clothes, not beach wear, and a pattern helps to hide any dampness from your suit.

$16.80 Forever 21

5. Sunscreen and Aloe Vera. Bring them to the shore! If you're anything like me, you will get a little bit toasty. Re-apply sunscreen every hour or so, and wait for at least 15 minutes to let it soak in before you hop back in the water. The last thing you want in the world is to be lobster red while trying to relax in the sand. It just doesn't work. Every night when you get ready for bed, put on some Aloe Vera gel. It will help keep your skin soft, and help soothe any extra sun damage you got that day.


There you have it folks! Now you're ready to go!