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The Definitive Beauty Packing List for a Beach Vacation

Education

Sunlit palms. White sand. Turquoise water. Packing for a magical beach vacation requires certain essentials to ensure one's skin is well prepped and protected. Below, cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Michele Green and celebrity and bridal makeup artist Nydia Figueroa share the ultimate beauty arsenal for your next beach vacation.

By Adrian Martin

Sunscreen

Packing sunscreen for a beach vacation is an obvious decision. Still, the importance of sunscreen is so vital for protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays and preventing premature aging, it’s worth repeating.

There are two main types of sunscreens available: physical and chemical. “Physical sunscreens contain ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are great for acne-prone skin because these ingredients are non-comedogenic,” Dr. Green says. “Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate or octinoxate that act as a sponge to absorb the sun’s UV rays.”

For the best protection, Dr. Green recommends packing both types of sunscreen and applying the chemical one first and the physical sunscreen over top. Plus, she reminds us to reapply every 90 minutes and after getting out of the water. Just be sure to pat dry first, so the sunscreen doesn’t run off your skin.

Sun-protecting lip balm

Packing a lip balm with SPF is a must. Dr. Green explains that the skin on the lips is thinner and more delicate and recommends wearing a lip balm with SPF 30 and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection (bonus points if the balm also contains hydrating ingredients like aloe and vitamin E or shea butter). And just like with regular sunscreen, reapply throughout the day. Then, for a wash of lightweight color, layer your favorite shade of Rose Inc Satin Lip Color over the top.

“I also love to pack a hydrating mist in my beach bag to keep my skin refreshed and cool under the hot sun.”

Sized-up shades

If you’ll be enjoying an extended holiday, Figueroa suggests packing foundation a shade or two darker in addition to your everyday shade to match your beach vacay tan. If that sounds like too big of an investment, reach for a hydrating, lightweight formula like the Rose Inc Tinted Serum that has flexible shade matching to support your skin pre– and post–tan.

Hydrating mists

“I also love to pack a hydrating mist in my beach bag to keep my skin refreshed and cool under the hot sun,” Figueroa says. Dr. Green explains that heat, sweat and water can leave your skin feeling dry and dehydrated. Keeping a face mist handy while you’re at the beach and during flights can help fight dryness and give your skin a much-needed hydration boost.

“Aircraft cabins usually have humidity of less than 20%. The dry air can cause your skin to go into overdrive and produce more sebum to rehydrate itself.”

Aloe gel

Avoiding prolonged sun exposure and reapplying sunscreen while you’re out enjoying your beach vacation will help prevent sunburns. ut if you’re particularly prone to burning, Figueroa says aloe gel is another must-have in your beach skincare travel kit as it helps provide relief and improves the skin barrier function. Dr. Green seconds this advice. “Humectants in aloe vera bind moisture for hydration while stimulating collagen and elastin fibers to increase skin elasticity,” she says.

Moisturizer

Let’s face it: Traveling by airplane can leave your skin feeling drier than the Sahara. “Aircraft cabins usually have humidity of less than 20%,” Dr. Green says. “The dry air can cause your skin to go into overdrive and produce more sebum to rehydrate itself. This overproduction of oil can cause acne breakouts.” For these reasons, she recommends packing a small TSA-approved bottle of moisturizer to apply during your flight.

Your everyday skincare products

If you’re a light packer who tends to use skincare products provided by hotels, Dr. Green warns to tread lightly as these products could contain ingredients your skin isn’t used to and that may not exactly agree with it. Instead, she advises packing any other skincare products that are part of your everyday routine at home. There is one caveat, though. For trips where you’ll be spending a lot of the time in the sun, she recommends skipping retinol as it can increase photosensitivity and the likelihood of incurring damage from the sun’s UV rays.