THE PERFECT BEACH BAG
This season, our beachside essentials are getting a homegrown upgrade. From the soft, nostalgic textures of Egyptian cotton to brilliant local sun care formulations, we’re proud to present a curation comprised entirely of local brands. Accessible, effective, affordable. Ahead, the ultimate list of everything you can grab before the weekend to accompany you on the Sahel shore.
TANNING PRODUCT
The iconic Carroten tanning gel in a tub is an absolute rite of passage for every girl. We’ve all used it. And we’ve all loved it. Let me introduce you to its local cousin: the Luna tanning gel. It smells similar to the warm coconut scent we’ve grown to associate with being by the beach, as well as the same heavy, ultra-glossy finish. It leaves a sheen and works perfectly well to expedite and intensify your tan.
SPF
Although we love tanning oils, rarely any of them come with adequate SPF. The one we recommended is no exception. That is why layering a high-quality SPF underneath is non-negotiable. This is a solid option, but any non-greasy formula offering SPF 30 or above with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection will do. Please remember that SPF doesn’t prevent you from tanning; it just makes it happen in a healthier, safer way. That way, you’re still getting your toasty brown glow without compromising the integrity of your skin.
LIPBALM WITH SPF
Do not forget the lips. The skin on your lips, as fragile as it is, is criminally overlooked when it comes to sun care. We’re always endlessly reapplying lip balm throughout the day for moisture, swapping your usual tube for one infused with SPF ensures your lips stay soft, plump, and entirely sunburn-free, all summer long.
TOWEL
The most frequently forgotten beach bag essential is a towel. Honestly, how do we manage to leave this behind so often? This towel is woven from high-grade, meticulously combed cotton at a plush, cloud-like 700 GSM, which should hold up beautifully season after season. You also have the option to get your initials custom monogrammed for an extra fee.
HAIR CLIP
Our hair is single-handedly the biggest barrier to swimming for women all over the world. No one wants to commit to another hour-long hair routine before dinner. It makes sense, but letting a blowout dictate your day is no way to live. Clip your hair up as high as it will go, and dive (maybe not head-first) into the sea.
HEAT PROTECTION
While we’re on the topic of hair, that’s another thing that needs protection. Although we’re keeping it away from saltwater, we can’t fully insulate it from the weather and sun. When we think about heat damage, we usually blame our hot tools. We often forget about the 27-million-degree cosmic engine hanging right above us as a major contributor. It’s an easy habit to neglect, but packing a dedicated hair UV protector in your beach bag makes it more likely you’d remember to protect your strands throughout the day.
BOOK
At best, you’ll get through a chapter or two under your umbrella. At worst, you get an excellent prop and a conversation starter. Long before the prevalence of iPhones and Kindles, a physical book was the ultimate beach accessory. This Joan Didion masterpiece, a dissection of mid-century Hollywood, is a short, brilliant, and famously unsentimental read that’s quintessentially Didion: cool, slightly detached, and sharp.
HANDFAN
We all know how looking effortlessly cool is hard work when the midday heat actually hits. A sleek hand fan is the ultimate unsung hero for keeping your makeup intact and your temperature as low as possible while you lounge.
