Shopping·10 min read

Our Essential Packing Guide for Beach and Pool Days

A collage of summer beach essentials: head scarf, wide-leg pants, and body sunscreen
Design: theSkimm | Images: Anthropologie, Free People, Kopari Beauty
June 6, 2025

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Packing for the beach or pool is no easy feat. SPF for your lips, a convenient strap for your Kindle, polarized sunglasses…the list goes on. We've been there and done that. To make your upcoming weekend trips or vacays easier, we've compiled a list of beach essentials, from leakproof water bottles that'll keep your drinks cold to hydrating facial mists and adorable summer accessories to keep your hair at bay. Did we just create your checklist for the summer? We think so. 

Beauty

A dewy K-beauty sunscreen with SPF 36.
innisfree

A glowy K-beauty sunscreen for daily wear…

Green tea, cica, and sunflower oil are the ingredients hard at work behind innisfree's sunscreen. The three work in tandem to deliver soothing hydration and moisture to your skin for a fresh and dewy appearance, along with SPF 36 sun protection. The lightweight lotion formula is ideal for daily wear. ($18, innisfree

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A body gel sunscreen with a hint of shimmer
Kopari Beauty

A body gel sunscreen with a hint of shimmer…

Kopari Beauty's body sunscreen delivers a subtle radiance that looks pretty under the sun. The gel formula is chock-full of moisturizing oils, including hibiscus, macadamia nut, avocado, and coconut, for a nourishing feel. The lush coconut milk- and vanilla-scented sunscreen is also available in three shades — golden amber, rose gold, and gold — and SPF levels of 30, 45, and 50. ($42, Kopari Beauty)

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A soothing and hydrating ultra-fine facial mist
Summer Fridays

A palm-sized facial mist for a quick refresh…

If you begin to feel your skin get tight and dry from being out in the sun, then a few quick spritzes with this hydrating mist will do the trick. The ultra-fine mist locks in moisture for relief and comforts any irritated skin. It’s a summer skincare staple that you’ll want to keep in your beach bag. ($21, Summer Fridays

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A creamy lip tint with SPF
Tatcha

A lip tint with SPF…

SPF is a necessity for your face and body when you're out in the sun, but you might not know that your lips need protection, too. The skin on your lips is thinner than the rest of your body, making it more prone to sunburns and UV damage. That’s where this Tatcha tinted lip tint is so genius. The three pigmented tints are buildable, blendable, and creamy, and they deliver SPF 25 sun protection. ($34, Tatcha

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Tools

A colorblock Owala water bottle
Urban Outfitters

A trendy water bottle that'll keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours...

Stay hydrated at the beach with the internet's newest favorite water bottle: Owala. The triple-layer insulated bottle has a built-in straw and a wide-mouth opening, along with convenient hinge loops for easy carrying. It can also hold up to 40 oz of liquid — which is equivalent to five cups. Choose from 14 colorblock designs. ($40, Urban Outfitters)

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A hydro flask water bottle with a wide straw
Amazon

Another popular leakproof water bottle…

Hydro Flask's wide-mouth water bottles are a modern classic. It's beloved by its fans for its leakproof Flex Straw cap and easy carrying handle. The 32-oz bottle is suitable for both hot and cold beverages, maintaining its temperature for hours with vacuum insulation. Tea for early sunrises at the beach or iced coffee for a midday dip in the pool — this can do it all. ($28.49, Amazon

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A hand strap for Kindles and Tablets.
Amazon

A hand strap to read your Kindle in comfort…

Catch up on your summer reads with this reliable Kindle strap, without worrying about hand cramps or your device accidentally falling on you while lying down. The anti-slip coating of the metal jaws fastens to your Kindle, without leaving scratches or marks. It’s comfortable to hold and is available in a rainbow of colors. ($5.06, Amazon)

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An embroidered ecru-patterned make-up bag.
Sézane

A makeup pouch to hold your pool and beach essentials…

Sézane is famous for its roomy pouches, which sell out in a blink of an eye. Opt for this blue embroidery one with a cool ecru pattern and blue tassels to hold your beach essentials. The inner pocket makes it easy to stash emergency blotting sheets or your trusty lip balm, while the pouch is big enough to carry your hand sanitizer and sunscreen. ($50, Sézane)

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An extra large waterproof and sandproof beach blanket
Amazon

An extra-large waterproof beach blanket that’ll fit the whole family…

Leave the mounds of beach blankets at home and opt for this extra-large style. The waterproof, sand-resistant blanket is lightweight and durable, with six stakes and four corner pockets (so you won't have to worry about returning from a swim to a towel that flew away in the wind). It comes with a convenient pouch for storing. ($25.48+, Amazon)

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Clothes and Accessories

A pair of '90s-inspired oval sunglasses.
Madewell

A pair of ‘90s-inspired oval sunglasses...

You can never go wrong with a classic tortoiseshell. These ‘90s-inspired oval-shaped sunglasses from Madewell are easy to style all year long, but we think they’d look especially chic with your summer sundresses. You don't have to worry about misplacing them too, as they come with a protective microfiber pouch. ($75, Madewell)

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A pair of retro polarized sunglasses
Eco Eyewear

A pair of retro polarized sunglasses…

The Jasmine sunglasses are not only chic in shape and color, but the butterfly-shaped sunglasses are easy on the eyes, too — literally. The polarized lenses eliminate glare, reducing strain on the eyes and improving color and clarity. A case and cleaning cloth tags are included. ($130, Eco Eyewear)

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A plumeria-shaped hair clip.
Emi Jay

A hair clip to get you into the summery mood…

We can’t get enough of Emi Jay’s cute acetate clips, which are sturdy enough to hold even the thickest hair. This plumeria-designed hair clip will instantly teleport you to Hawaii (even if you’re in your backyard). ($16, Emi Jay)

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A pair of elevated color contrast slim point flip flops
Havaianas

A pair of classic flip-flops, but elevated…

These aren't your ordinary flip-flops. These color-contrasting designs have the comfort of the flip-flops you love, but with a slim, pointed toe that brings an unexpected chicness. Go ahead, wear the flip-flops to dinner. ($46, Havaianas

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A pair of chic faux leather slide on sandals
Revolve

A pair of designer-inspired slip-on sandals...

Flats, but make it fashion. These stylish Steve Madden slides are timeless, making them a pair that you’ll wear for years to come. The shoe adds sophistication to any beach outfit, whether you’re sporting an eyelet sundress or an oversized T-shirt and denim shorts. ($59, Revolve)

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A multicolored vinyl beach tote
Nordstrom

A multicolored beach tote as a practical accent piece…

A clear vinyl tote is a staple for the beach and pool. It's waterproof, easy to clean, and sand-resistant. But this iridescent vinyl tote takes it up a notch. It's eye-catching and playful, adding a bright splash of color to your beach outfit. It’s extra spacious, featuring an inner pocket and structured silhouette that stands upright on its own due to its flat base, so you can easily find what you need. ($195, Nordstrom)

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A relaxed-fit oversized beach shirt
J.Crew

An elevated yet relaxed beach coverup…

Upgrade your coverup game with J.Crew's laid-back button-up shirt. It’s the perfect beach top, thanks to its sheer linen and cotton fabric and oversized fit. The lightweight fabric allows for maximum breathability, keeping you cool and collected, and is easy to throw on over your swimsuit. It’s versatile and pairs well with other basics, be it a tank and cutoff shorts or a mini dress, so you can wear it directly to and from the beach. ($59.50, J.Crew)

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A pair of oversized pants
Free People

A pair of oversized pants to lounge in…

Our newest obsession? Lounge pants for the beach. These breezy Free People pants have an elastic waistband and billowy wide legs for airflow. The extra-large pockets are another perk, so you can carry your phone, wallet, and lip balm without the need for a bag. Find your pair among 10 summery shades. ($50, Free People)

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