I am winding down as I write this post, it’s officially my first day of staycation and as my advance birthday present, I treated myself to what I consider my ultimate me-time, a day spa at Four Seasons in Koolina (Oahu, Hawaii). If you’ve been around people for so long, the first thing you want to do is to avoid crowd especially when you’re vacationing or in my case, the sacred hours of “alone time”. Hence, I booked myself on a Monday for a much deserved massage, enjoying the sauna, pool, jacuzzi, all to myself. Kind of basically, because it was quite early in the morning which explains the no-crowd saga. Then I proceeded to the hotel poolside for lunch then enjoyed the beach thereafter.
So I titled this post my beach essentials aside from the obvious because you’ve seen, read, and watched me talk about sunscreen like a broken record. It’s a no-brainer part, you need to wear sunscreen summer or not, beach or not (read why use sunscreen). That’s pretty much giving it away. So to give you a new twist, I’m sharing few other essentials to help you enjoy your beach time, look picture-perfect, dress the part, and just overall slay summer! (read summer guide for vegans)
Tripod and remote control. If you love taking photos (more if you are a blogger), get a tripod and remote or download an app that is compatible with the camera that you are using (I will be talking about this in a separate post). Selfie stick is a thing of the past, you want your entire frame, not a portion of your arm sticking out. I have the tall and small Manfrotto tripod, but I use the small one most of the time, especially for tight and intimate shots. You can see the reflection of the tripod below. Tip: you can strategically hide the remote as you take photos or set your phone or camera to 3 or 10 seconds, give or take.
Wide-brimmed floppy hat and buggy sunglasses. This is for extra sun protection. I want you to really take good care of your skin and look fabulous at the same time. So what if you look like a tourist, your face and eyes will thank you later! Get a nice pair of sunnies that offer UV protection because unknown to many, UV rays also damage the cornea and years of unprotected sun exposure can possibly lead to eye problems such as cataract and retinal degeneration.
Style up and own it. This is more than just me telling you to buy cute swimsuit or beachwear. Style up and feel confident about yourself, your body. I know, it’s always easier said than done. But here’s the thing my friend. The only person stopping you from looking good is yourself. With that said, retire the old shorts and souvenir shirt for now, instead wear a romper or jumpsuit, even maxi dress if you will, accessorize, put on a lip tint and tell yourself that today, you’re owning the beach!
After sun-care. Bravo for doing the above, your mama here is so proud of you but we’re not done yet baby. Too much sun exposure, even though you have been diligent with your sunscreen application and reapplication can dry out your skin, your lips included. Spritz mist all over your face, apply aloe lotion or cream all over your body, gently exfoliate lips, your feet, your hands, your pits, then moisturize before you snooze. Trust me, you will wake up fresh and glowing the following day!
What about you? what are your beach essentials aside from the obvious?
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I need a big floppy hat like yours. It’s super cute (and great for UV protection).
I bought a floppy hat on my vacation so I have it at the ready. Since I never really sit in the sun it doesn’t get a lot of use. I hope you have a great time on your splurge.
I love the floppy hat look! I’ve been wanting one, should pick one up for the summer!
Yep. This one I’m wearing is less than $20, great way to accessorize and also for sun protection
I have a hat like that and love it! Happy birthday and enjoy your staycation and spa day!
Thank you for the advance birthday greetings
I LOVE your hat… I’ve been looking for a good floppy hat that doesn’t look like I’m going fishing or bought it at the dollar store and it’s about to come apart. I haven’t been to the beach in awhile despite living near one… It’s just so hot! However, I think now that we got a dog, I’m going to be taking him out sooner than later so I’ll have to get used to the beach and I definitely love your tip about dressing better… I’m so guilty of throwing on horrible old shorts and an old t-shirt. I never thought about getting some maxis for the beach but it makes sense!
I’m excited you got a dog! Oh he’s going to love the beach! And yay for maxi! Enjoy your beach days
I have a big black floppy hat for the beach & afternoon walks. Love it.
Awesome!
I’ve got a tiny head so finding a big floppy hat that fits is a nightmare. I couldn’t manage without my tripod either!
This hat has a string so it’s adjustable. I have a small head too 🙂
I absolutely love the hat! I picked up one last summer for when I was out on the lake but it was no way near as cute as this one.
Thank you. This one has the right size and it’s cheap too
Oh, reading this makes me want to add a few more wide-brimmed hats to my wardrobe
I really need to learn how to use a tripod for selfies. I’m quite challenged that way. Yours look excellent. I love the friendly loving tone thru this post.
Thanks much. I’ll be sharing my techniques in another post.
Poolside is the place to be! I would never stop staycationing if I lived in Hawaii.
I love big floppy hats for summer! I just bought one for myself – it’s a little smaller than yours, but it’s wide enough to shield my face and neck from the sun.