Summer is in full swing and we are getting ready for a long awaited trip to the beach. It will be our first of two week-long trips to Delaware this year and B and I are both getting excited like little kids and Christmas. It’s where we are always the most relaxed and happy. The smell of the ocean, the warm ocean breezes, the food, the sand, it’s what we love. As we’ve stated to make our packing lists, I’ve realized I have a few summer must-haves that I won’t go without so today I am sharing those must-have summer essentials with you.
Neutrogena SunScreen
I have tried a lot of sunscreens. I can’t bring myself to splurge on luxury brands but anything you can buy in the drug store, I have tried it all. With sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts with greasy products, I have never been able to find a sunscreen that doesn’t leave me feeling slimy and gross.
I have always preferred sprays simple because of the easy application but this year I decided to try a bottle and I am so glad I did. This Neutrogena sunscreen applies like a lotion but once it is dry you cannot feel that you have it one. It leaves your hands feeling clean and not at all greasy, like you have to wash them off.
I’ve also found that just one or two applications throughout the day is enough to keep my fair skin from burning. This is officially my go-to sunscreen.
Breathable, Durable Sun Hat
A number of my family members have had skin cancer so I’m not afraid to cover up to protect my skin from the sun’s rays. Even though I get strange looks sometimes wearing a sun hat in less obvious places, I won’t go anywhere outside in the summer without taking my sun hat for protection.
I love all the cute sun hats made of straw. Painted ones, ones with ribbons or graphics. I have found however that they don’t typically last more than one summer. They lose their shape and get super floppy or they start pulling apart.
This year, when working in the backyard, I decided to upgrade my sun hat to a nylon hat. It has ties inside so that I can make the hat fit snug on my head which is especially great on the boat when there is wind.
The brim of the hat is plenty wide enough to keep the sun off my face, neck and shoulders too so I feel protected without feeling too hot. Sure it’s not as stylish or pretty as some other hats, but this one is definitely more sturdy and functional for work and play.
Birkenstock Eva Sandals
I know I talked about these shoes last summer but these sandals are seriously a must for me in the summer. Being rubber (like crocs) they can get wet so wearing them in the water is OK. If they get dirty, I can just hose them off, another great benefit.
They are extremely comfortable so I can walk in them and my feet are comfortable. I do wish they made women’s in more neutral colors but these are one of my most worn pairs of shoes all summer long.
Moisture-Wicking SPF Hoodie Tee
Maybe my favorite on the list are tees like this. I started wearing them a couple years ago when out on the boat to protect from the sun but since I have been wearing these while camping and when working in the yard or gardening.
They not only protect my skin, they also are actually pretty cool even when it’s hot outside. I have several and they are super easy to wash and care for too.
Reusable Water Bottle
During the summer’s heat, staying hydrated is a must on so many levels. Even when out and about, having a sip of water to feel refreshed and hydrated is an absolute must. This metal water bottle has a wide enough opening that I can fit ice cubes in from our frig dispenser, keeping my water super cold all day long. This size is larger than I’d normally want but having more water means I can splash some into the dogs’ bowl if they are feeling parched as well.
I’ve had this particular bottle for a couple of years now and it’s held up so well and continues to keep my water cold all day long. I am rarely without it.
Tinted Lip Gloss
I think more about lip gloss in the winter when I feel so dried out all the time but lip gloss in the summer is a must as well. Burt’s Bees is a long time favorite brand for health and beauty products and that includes this moisturizing tinted lipgloss.
It’s light and cream and keeps my lips feeling moist even when I get a little too much sun. The best part is that this lip gloss is tinted which gives my face just a touch of added color even when I’m keeping things simple.
“Ouchless” Hair Bands for Thick Hair
I have very thick hair and as it gets longer, the need to get it up off my neck and shoulders sometimes becomes a necessity when it’s hot and humid. I love these ties specifically made for thick hair. The bands themselves are thicker than standard ties and the opening is a bit larger too which comfortable accommodates my hair without feeling like I’m pulling too tight.
Gone are the days where these bands are held together with the metal clamps that knotted up hair and hurt like crazy when they finally gave loose. I’ve always got a few of these around “just-in-case”.
That’s it. My 6 must-have summer essentials. Items that I have and use in my everyday life to get me through the summer happy, healthy and feeling good. Hopefully I ‘ve given you some inspiration or ideas for your own life to get you through the summer too.
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