Summer Beach Bag Essentials

We're in the midst of one of the hottest summers ever, which means that many of us are spending our days poolside or at the beach. Nothing is worse than getting there and realizing that you forgot sunscreen, a towel, or sunglasses! Fret not, here are all of my summer beach bag essentials. 

1. Beach Towel! Choosing a good beach towel is so important. You want something absorbent, long enough to fit your entire body, but not too big that it doesn't fit in your beach bag. 
2. Sunglasses - You need a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun's rays. I like to bring a pair that is cheap and disposable because I like to go into the water with them, so it's not a big deal if I lose it or break them. 
3. Reading - I like to bring magazines with me to the beach because the water and salt can mess with the pages of a bound book and sand and e-readers don't get along well. Plus, there is nothing better than reading a trashy magazine poolside with a smoothie in hand. 
4. Music - This can include headphones, speakers, and a portable phone charger. Anything to make sure that you have music available at a moment's notice, especially if you're hanging out in a group. 
5. Drink - If you're at a country club or hotel, you don't necessarily need to bring your own drink, but if you're going to a beach, make sure you bring plenty of water!
6. Snacks - I like to have a granola bar or a couple pieces of fruit in my bag just in case I get hungry 
7. Change of Clothes / Plastic Bag - I like to bring an extra set of clothes in a plastic bag in case I want to change out of my wet clothing.
8. Sunscreen - I like to carry a spray sunscreen for my body and a cream one for my face. I've heard great things about the Pacifica one if you're looking for something vegan and natural, but haven't tried it myself. 
9. Cosmetics - a spare deodorant or body spray and a lip balm with spf are all that I pack, but pack whatever makeup you need to feel your best. 

You can add to this list, but these are my essentials! Let's also talk about the type of bag you choose to use as a beach bag for a second. I've used it all, but my go-to is a bag made out of plastic (it's a Vera Bradley clear beach tote). I love it because it's waterproof and is super easy to clean. Whether you use that or another bag is up to you, but make sure that it is made of a fabric that is able to get wet and is easy to clean (no suede or leather!). 

Let me know in the comments what your beach bag essentials are and if I'm missing anything on my list! 

-Sienna