6 Stylish New Zealanders Share Their Beach Bag Beauty Essentials

Here’s what to pack for a day spent seaside, according to six stylish sun seekers.

When it comes to packing for a day at the beach there are the must-haves and the nice-to-haves.

The must-haves are obvious to most of us: sunscreen, a beach towel, a hat and a water bottle. Maybe a snack.

But the nice-to-haves are inherently personal. Is it necessary to pack two different sunscreens to alternate use between face and body? What’s better – a book or an e-reader? And do we really need to be toting a full-sized fragrance with us?

These answers vary for everyone, so to help us on our way we recruited a handful of stylish people happy to let us peek inside their beach bags.

For Sauce founder and freelance producer Zeenat Wilkinson, time spent seaside evokes a sense of much-needed calm. “The ocean is my happy place – an essential part of my summer self-care and grounding,” she says, adding: “When I head there, I keep things low-key but pack a few essentials in my Deadly Ponies Mr Bandit Tote to keep it cosy, chic, and functional.”

From the summer reads they’ll be diving into post-swim, to the wide-brimmed hats they’ll be donning as they traverse the sand, below six sun seekers share their curated edits of products sure to live in their beach totes all summer long.

Jessica Hinerangi Thompson-Carr, multi-disciplinary artist

Lip gloss, shell rings, pāua earrings, and kōkōwai glitter body oil made by Lanae Cable. “For tino ātaahua adornment.”

A mask with pearl chain for protection, and Free Palestine badges. “Because we’re always on the kaupapa, mai te awa ki te moana.”

Harman Reusable Film Camera, $78. “I love having physical photos on my walls, always trying to capture special memories.

Curionoir Pūrotu Rose 4ml Pocket Extrait de Parfum, $50. “My favourite scent, which I’ve been wearing every day.”

Poorhara by Michelle Rahurahu, $38. “My next read. Very excited to delve into this one. Support our Māori writers!”

Jane Joo, project engineer and content creator

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Clinical Anti-UV Fluid SPF50, $29. “Non-sticky, it doesn’t leave a white cast and is rated SPF 50+. Need I say more?”

M.A.C Studio Radiance 24hr Luminous Lift Concealer, $64. “I like to keep my makeup light on sunny days so I replace my foundation with a long-lasting concealer.”

Armani Prisma Glass Lip Gloss, $70. “I don’t need a lip balm when I’m carrying this around. It’s a 2-in-1 lip gloss!”

Kobo, $248. “My favourite purchase of 2024 – my e-reader comes everywhere with me. If you see me reading, it’s probably a Sarah J. Maas book.”

Zeenat Wilkinson, founder of Sauce and freelance producer

Matrescence by Lucy Jones, $30. “It’s all about the glow-up (and the struggles) of motherhood. As someone navigating this transformation, it’s been so validating. A must-read for mamas or anyone curious about this wild metamorphosis.”

Joseon’s Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+, $28. “SPF that leaves a white cast? Yeah, no thanks. Enter: Joseon’s Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+. It’s clear, silky, and completely non-greasy. Plus, it’s Korean – aka skincare royalty. 10/10 recommend.”

Hydro Flask Energy, $80. “An insulated water bottle is non-negotiable. Staying hydrated hits differently after soaking up all that sun.”

Dermal Therapy Cherry Lip Balm, $13. “Salty water, sunshine, and a little lip love. Dermal Therapy Cherry Lip Balm brings hydration, pigment, and no mess—beach day perfection.”

Prada sunglasses, POA. “My go-to: classic black Prada sunnies. Effortless and always on point.”

Good Sh*t Prebiotic Soda, $6. “Name says it all. It’s fizzy, delish, and keeps that summer bloat in check. Pro tip: the perfect sip for the post-beach stroll home.”

Commonplace Essentials Hat, $89. “Shout out to Common Place for this navy classic. Protects my hair, and let’s be honest, looks cute doing it.”

Baina 100% Organic Cotton Beach Towel, $130. “Two years strong with my Baina towel. Bold colours, soft texture – what more could you want after a swim?”

Deadly Ponies Mr Bandit Tote in Black Mesh, $649. “This Deadly Ponies tote is my ride-or-die. Big enough for all the goods but sleek enough to transition from beach to brunch. Bonus: the clear zip pouch is a lifesaver for tiny essentials.”

Glossier You 50ml eau de parfum, $146. “I never leave home without Glossier You. Perfume is completely unnecessary but it’s my little indulgence.”

Augustinus Bader The Cream, $315. “After hours in the sun, Augustinus Bader The Cream is my go-to for hydration. Perfect for post-beach errands or daycare pickups.”

Bye Bye Bad Natural Hand Protector, $8. “This is hand sanitiser made luxe. It is a multi-tasker: natural antibacterial, smells amazing, and preps my hands before reapplying SPF.”

Sophie Song, model

Nivea Pearl And Beauty Roll-On Deodorant, $6. “An essential for staying fresh at the beach, this roll-on is gentle on my skin but keeps me feeling confident and clean all day.”

Benefit Benetint Lip & Cheek Tint, $46. “This lip and cheek tint is perfect for adding a natural flush to my face without having a product that melts in the sun. It’s lightweight and versatile being a beach day lifesaver!”

Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1, $24. “Kiehl’s Lip Balm is my go-to for keeping my lips moisturised under the sun. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for beating that salty beach air.”

Shiseido Eyelash Curler, $39. “I can’t go anywhere without my Shiseido eyelash curler. It gives me an effortless lift to my beach look without needing any mascara.”

D’Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum, $46. “A quick spritz of this facial mist keeps my skin refreshed and cool under the sun. It’s a great pick me up after a swim and adds a bit of glow too.”

Beauty Of Joseon Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, $28. “This sunscreen is lightweight and I love how it’s more lotion-like with no white cast. It’s non-greasy and protects without weighing my skin down, perfect for everyday sun protection.”

Unove Dr. ForHair Silk Oil Essence, $34. “While I adore natural beach waves, this oil keeps my hair soft and tames any salt-induced frizz. I apply it post-swim for an effortless look and it smells just like fresh roses!”

Hair ties. “Always a need! Whether it’s a messy bun or beach waves, these keep my hair manageable after a swim.”

Traditional Hand Fan. “The traditional fan is a gift from my mum, and I never go to the beach without it. To be honest, I bring it along just for good luck because it reminds me of her wherever I go.”

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration SPF50+, $22. “This sunscreen smells like vanilla and caramel and is super moisturising with an SPF of 50+ for protection. It leaves my skin feeling silky and never greasy.”

Palmers Coconut Hydrate Body Oil, $14. “After a day in salt water, I love using this body oil to keep my skin soft and hydrated. It has a subtle cocoa butter scent and adds a shiny glow that looks amazing under the sunlight.”

Lumix Vintage Camera. “The camera is a meaningful gift from my boyfriend. I love bringing it along to all my summer adventures and constantly being reminded of him.”

Dior Sunglasses, POA. “These oversized sunglasses are my beach-day statement piece. They shield my eyes from UV rays and I love the way they frame my face.”

Giorgio Armani My Armani To Go Cushion Foundation, $95. “For a light touch of SPF-infused coverage, this cushion foundation is perfect for reapplying sun protection while keeping my skin looking flawless, even by the ocean.”

Reusable Yeti Water Bottle, $80. “Hydration is essential on hot beach days, and my insulated Yeti keeps water cold for hours. It’s a must-have!”

Jasmin Scott, jewellery designer

La Roche Posay Anthelios Tinted Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+, $46. “I never leave the house without applying sunscreen, even in the middle of winter. In the summer months, I ensure I’m reapplying throughout the day and in between swims.”

Wild Love Kawakawa Balm, $38. “I take this everywhere I go, I use it for dry lips, burns and bites and sometimes rub it into my skin if it’s feeling extra dry.”

Aesop Resolute Hydrating Body Balm, $55. “If I’m leaving the beach and heading somewhere afterwards I like to moisturise after a day in and out of the ocean. Aesop body balms are great to have on hand and a good size to slip in your beach bag. My current favourite is Resolute hydrating body balm.”

Maryse Mineral Tints, $59. “These are great to have on hand for a quick freshen up or to add to a sunkissed look, I apply it to my cheeks, lips and sometimes eyelids. My favourites are Dune and Dahlia.”

Sachajuan Leave-In Conditioner, $60. “My hair is long and gets dry and tangled in the summer months. I’m not always washing it between swims so I like to have a leave-in conditioner on hand. I love the Sachajuan leave-in conditioner from Mecca.”

A water bottle with electrolytes. “I do my best to stay as hydrated as possible during the summer months, adding electrolytes to my water helps with this. I have a few I use, I’m currently loving The Beauty Chef Hydration Boost ($55).”

A good book. “A day on the beach with a good book and ocean swims is my idea of heaven, I’m looking forward to doing a lot of that this coming summer. I have a pile on my bedside table I’m excited to read. I’m looking forward to rereading The Creative Act by Rick Rubin, as well as Glossy, the story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier, which has been recommended by a friend.”

Sunnup Mat, $249. “This may not fit in the beach bag but is essential for days at the beach. Made from recycled plastic, these mats are perfect for placing on the sand for a day at the beach. I keep one in the back of my car all summer long for beach days and picnics.”

Fourth Street Sarong, $145. “I love the Fourth Street sarongs, they’re great for on the beach but also for styling and wearing multiple ways. I have them in a few different colours and wear them constantly in the summertime.”

Bottega Veneta Sunglasses, $825. “A no-brainer. I currently have my eye on these for summer, from the Sunglass Bar – the only place I buy sunglasses from.”

Loewe Bucket Hat, $633. “I try to be sun smart and cover up as much as possible in the summertime so a hat in the beach bag is essential. I have a few that I use on rotation and my Loewe bucket hat is a favourite.”

Film camera. “I love having a film camera on hand ready to capture special moments with my family and friends on the beach. I have an old Contax point-and-shoot that I use a lot in the summertime.”

Snacks. “Essential. I love salty snacks on the beach – chips, nuts, with some sparkling water. I try to have a little stash in my bag at all times.”

Esther Cronin, wellness advocate and founder of Ready & Reset

Kindle, $184. “I always thought I was a ”real book" girl until I got a Kindle, especially for lazy beach days. I have a list of self-development and science books that I want to absorb, but I also switch off my brain with a good novel. My tiny Kindle contains it all, and I love switching between the two.”

Lack of Colour The Cove Sunhat, $150. “I love the sun, but I’m hyper-aware of how much I’ll regret spending too much time in it as I age. This hat comes with me everywhere. It covers the face, the decolletage, and all the areas where SPF isn’t enough. Plus, it’s super chic and folds down to slot into my bag.”

Oyster Suncare SPF 50 Organic Mineral Sunscreen Creme, $67. “It’s organic, lightweight, and doesn’t contain any nasties for my body to absorb or that could harm sea life. It’s nature-approved and feels beautiful to apply.”

Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitale Elixir, $158. “I just always have this in my bag these days, I am addicted. I have a little bit of scarring on my cheeks but this product has almost erased it.”

Raaie Sun Milk Drops SPF50+, $100. “Beyond the gorgeous bottle, I love the feel of this SPF. It is effective yet super clean. I sometimes add a little Emma Lewisham Illuminating Face & Body Oil to make it a bit more bronzy.”

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer, $106. “I don’t wear foundation over summer very often, just SPF and this. Keeps your skin looking glowy but also has a mattifying effect so you don’t look shiny during a day in the sun.”

Rhode Pocket Blush in the shade Sleepy Girl, $40. “A neutral peach, it just makes me look healthy!”

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $34. “You will see me smacking this on my lips multiple times throughout the day. It’s the perfect barely there glossy finish and is also the most hydrating balm I’ve ever used.”

Reforme Power Lip Creamy Contour Wand With Dual End, $100. “This little magic wand is a game changer. It’s a contour for your lips, giving a sense of fullness without full-on lip liner, and you can also use it as an eye contour.”

CZE Glossifying Mist (Travel Size), $22. “After every dip in the ocean, I spray this through my hair and it protects, hydrates and keeps my hair glossy and holding beachy waves.”

CZE Everyday Comb, $42. “To brush through the mist”

Deadly Ponies Mr Bandit Tote in Raffia Rush, $669.

Biotrace Electrolytes Elite Ion Powder 30ml, $22. “Staying hydrated is more than just drinking water, it’s also about keeping salts up. I put a few drops of this in every drink of water.”

Sans Self Cleaning Water Bottle, $80. “This bottle is magic. It turns tap water into alkalised, delicious water with just a few minutes under the red light which sits inside the lid.”

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