Top 10 Tuesday: Beach Essentials

As summer vacation is coming up, I'm already daydreaming about lying on the beach with my toes in the sand and not having a care in the world. And, being the obsessive list maker that I am, I've also been mentally checking off my "beach essentials list" for my summer trip, just to make sure I have everything and that it's ready.

I don't like dragging a lot of stuff along with me on a beach day, but these ten things are my absolute must haves.

My Top 10 beach essentials:

1. Bikini

And not just any bikini. It's important for me to have one that fits well and that I feel comfortable in. I bought this lovely coral bikini at Forever 21 in Japan back in April, and I can't wait to wear it for the first time this summer!

2. Sunglasses

This is an absolute must for me! Especially at the beach, with the sun reflecting on the white sand, it can be quite a treacherous experience if you don't have a good pair of sunnies to protect your eyes. (Yes, protect!) Get a good pair with proper UV protection. My first choice is always my Ray-Ban Aviators.

3. Bag

I definitely can't go to the beach without a big bag to carry all of my essentials. This summer, I'll be using this straw bag I bought at a store in Taipei. It's light, and the perfect size for all my stuff.

4. Sun protection

I don't have to tell you how important it is to protect your skin. You all know the deal. I love this one from Nivea. It's oily, but not overpowering, and it stays on forever.

5. Hat

I really love big floppy hats for the beach, but it's a hassle to carry that thing around, especially if it doesn't even fit in your bag. This fedora doesn't really do much on the sun protection front, but I still like it, and it keeps my hair out of my face.

6. Lip balm

Well, for me, this is an all around essential, not just for going to the beach. In the summer I like to use lip balm that has a high SPF. There's nothing worse than getting your lips burned by the sun. Ouchy! This one from Blistex has always been my favorite.

7. Camera

Well, duh, to capture the awesome moments and happy memories at the beach! The Boyfriend and I recently realized we were in desperate need of a new camera, and decided on the Canon G12 to take with us on vacation.

8. Flip flops

When I'm at the beach, and basically most of summer, I will live in my pair of Havaianas.

9. Sarong

I love sarongs! They can be used as a cover up, or something to lie on on the beach. Which cancels out having to take a big, heavy towel with you. I have a couple of cute, colorful ones that I bought in Thailand, that I always take to the beach with me.

10. Magazine / book

Even though I don't really read magazines anymore, I just love flipping through one when I'm at the beach. Or if I'm buying a book for the summer, I'll get something light and that's easy to read.

Do you have a beach essential that's not on my list?

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