My favorite part about summer is packing my beach bag within my tote bag for weekends away. I feel guilty, but I do try to catch a little baby tan while I’m Hamptoning, Fire Islanding, or Jersey Shoreing. I have pretty fair skin so I need to make sure that every product I use pre- and during beachtime includes SPF.

This summer, I’m planning to stash all my SPF-laden goodies in my new Sephora Safari Tote ($38) – this zip top bag is perfect for carrying beach essentials and includes an easy-to-clean nylon interior. It even boasts a small interior pocket absolutely MADE for storing your favorite lip balms and gum to ensure neither becomes sand-ridden. I HATE that. Is there anything worse? The tote is available this month at Sephora and Sephora.com.

With what should you fill your Safari Barbie tote? I have lots of suggestions.

Lips

The number of SPF lip balms increases exponentially each summer, luckily for us. I love the taste of this seriously cleverly-flavored Kiss My Face Certified Organic Lip Balm, SPF 15 in Cranberry Orange. Only $4, totally organic, and tastes ultra-delish. You’ll stave off hunger pangs (momentarily, anyway) by slathering this treat on while looking slim in your bathing suit.

If you want a little more hydration, check out Ole Henriksen’s Fresh Lips SPF 15 ($15). This mint-flavored plumping balm imparts a subtle glossiness and ample moisture.

Origins Cover Your Mouth includes SPF 8 has a divine, smooth consistency. It includes nature’s original sunscreen, transparent Titanium Dioxide, in addition to Vitamin E to protect against peeling and dehydration. It’s flavored with cooling Vanilla Mint for tastiness while you chillax.

What if you’re a gloss kind of gal, even on the beach? I was THRILLED to learn that Trish McEvoy created a line of glosses that include SPF so you can look fly while you lie. Her Beauty Booster SPF 15 Lip Gloss boosts moisture and comes in the most fun summer colors. I prefer it in Sexy Rose, a rich darker pink, and Very Sexy, a subtle pale pink.

Concealer

I’m not into huge amounts of makeup on the beach, but looking decent (especially if I haven’t yet established my base tan) includes concealer. I was ecstatic to learn that one of my fave brands, Prescriptives, has come out with their new Site Unseen Brightening Concealer SPF 15. This Touch Éclat-style brush pen brightens and covers up darks spots and undereye circles in a flash. It improves your skin tone and hides what you want to hide 007-style without looking like you’re THAT girl with caked-on makeup at the beach.

Sunscreen: Face



I can’t get enough of Dr. Brandt Daily Sun Protection SPF 30 Face (Bronze) in Medium. I have NEVER met a Dr. Brandt product I didn’t like. In fact, when I worked in beauty PR, I even MET the famed Dr. Brandt and found him to be a hilar delight. This sunscreen imparts the most subtle hint of bronze that’s perfect for fair-complected maidens like me. It’s not muddy, orange, nor too obvious. It goes on sheer and is a warm terracotta hue. The consistency is a dream to apply and the SPF 30 will ensure your skin stays smooth and supple all summer long.

Sunscreen: Body

I’m lurving the heck out of SmartShield SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel. This High-Tech SPF 30 sunscreen gel has a cooling alcohol base. The nonpore-clogging gel is still moisturizing, however. Lastly, it’s fragrance-free formula, never feels greasy and is waterproof for up to eighty minutes. It’s only $6 so stock on up.

Armed with these SPF products in your arsenal, your complaints will be limited to venting about the irritating company in your packed-to-the-gills summer share house… but not an unsexy sunburn. Summer pretty, dolls.

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