natjtan As Summer’s transitioning into Autumn, this was probably more appropriate last month. However there a still good few beach days left and sun protection is an all round year thing, not just for the summer!
As with all my skincare and make up products, I have just 2 requirements. No animal testing and as natural, crap free as possible (no SLS, parabens, etc). With make up the last 1 can be tricky, so I opt for what I can. My skin’s oily/combination, hair oily roots, dry ends and my skin loves thick body lotions. 
Beach Skin Care Essentials
Coola Organic Classic Suncream, Face SPF 30, Cucumber Moisturizer
For someone who doesn’t like cucumber, this accident buy last year I ended up loving. I use to use the unscented version until one day it was out of stock, I was running out and thought, just try it. I’m glad I did as I prefer it to the original. I still get the odd spot and nasty cyst spot, but it hasn’t made me break out. I hardly get any freckles and touch wood, I’ve never been sunburnt on my face using this! I’m not confident to go sans foundation and wear a BB cream or CC cream with SPF 25 in addition. I’ve tried a few foundations since wearing this and again no freckles or sunburn!
I can get from a few European sites, but like most of my skin care, I get it from iherb as it works out cheaper and faster (if it gets through customs)!
Boots Soltan Dry Touch Suncare Lotion SPF 50
If money was no issue, I’d slap on Coola’s body sunscreens like there’s not tomorrow. You hardly notice you’re wearing them. Unfortunately of the amount I get through, it’s just not economic, so I have to go with what I can get. This one is the next best thing to Coola. Not tested on animals, not organic like Coola, it doesn’t feel like you’re wrapped in cling film wearing it. It’s scent is barely there and it’s always on offer 1/2 price! It’s okay for running but it can run rivers a bit. Sand resistant, ha! I’ve been burnt twice this year on my shoulders, but that was due to my rucksack on and off and not reapplying. I haven’t been burnt (touch wood) yet using this otherwise!
Tone It Up Beach Babe Lip Balms
I really hope these aren’t in their sale to be discontinued. I flirt with other SPF lip balms and always come back to these. Yummy flavours you could eat, they don’t have that usual tacky SPF lip balm feel. Despite their size, they last for ages!
Sephora, 3 in 1 Perfecting Base Coat
Essential if you paint your nails to protect them from polish and sunscreen! This one is makes the colour last a little longer.
Coconut Oil
I apply this overnight to wet hair to help condition and put back moisture in the ends from the sea, sweat and suncream. It’s also a great moisturiser and eye makeup remover. But then, I love just about anything coconut!
Expensive, €16 from Sephora, but it’s been a beach staple. Unlike most brushes, it’s designed for use on wet and dry hair (always use a wide tooth comb on wet hair!) as well as getting through all the tangles. If I’ve had a dip, I run this through my hair, so it’s a bit more presentable when it dries! It also painlessly tackles bad tangles from the wind!
British design!
Hair Bands/Ties
Always an essential! I like these as they don’t snag. I do find they don’t last as long as regular hairbands/ties, but I like the no snag! I usually get them where I can find them, Tiger, H&M Divided, Fabletics.
Beach Cap and Sarong
I’ve only just started wear a hat to the beach (to the beach, not on it. I like sun kissed hair!) A baseball cap, helps keep my hair looking more presentable from cycling, that beach wave thanks to cycling and the sun out my eyes so I squint/frown less! I do have a straw Fedora but the speed I cycle at, it’ll be gone with the wind in no time! It’s also great at the beach for keeping sun out my eyes when I do wear it on the beach and I get less headaches. I usually drap my t-shirt/tap/top over my face to keep out the sun and sleep. I’m not the only one who does this!
Sarong
Better than a beach towel! Light weight, folds up small and dries quickly!
Other Essentials, no photo!
Sunburn happens to the best of us. Manuka honey with UMF 10-20/MGO 400+ from experience are great for sunburns, thanks to it’s healing properties. I usually apply it straight on the sunburn and leave it on over night.
Sunglasses
Essential! Last year I started wear polarized sunglasses and once you’ve tried polarized sunglasses, you never go back to regular sunglasses! My current pair, purple Oakley Frogskins I love (purchased in the summer sales as I couldn’t justify full price). No glare and the sea’s always 2 toned!
K&K/Tone It Up Salt Texture Spray
For the ultimate beach hair! Review here!
Shells: Barcelona Beaches
What are your favourite beach and summer skin care essentials?