Summer is well and truly here, which means those amazing beach holidays we’ve been dreaming about all year are almost upon us. But while we tend to think long and hard about what to put in our suitcases, we mustn’t forget that our beach bag items are just as important.
Things like using reef-safe sunscreens make a big difference in keeping our oceans healthy, so you can feel great about protecting your skin and marine life at the same time. And don’t forget to bring along reusable water bottles, snack containers and tote bags to help reduce waste and keep our planet’s beaches looking gorgeous.
Here are some of our favourite summer holiday staples that mean you can have a blast this summer while also taking care of the beautiful places you love to visit.
BU Towels
First things first, no sustainable seaside escape comes without an eco-friendly beach towel. Enter, BU, a sustainably crafted towel range that combines the beauty of Arab cultural designs with sustainable materials such as bamboo and recycled plastic. BU Towels are ultra-soft and absorbent with natural anti-bacterial properties and being so lightweight, make a perfect beach bag addition.
Hello Sunday SPF45 mineral glow stick
Get ready to glow on-the-go with Hello Sunday’s SPF45 mineral glow stick. This fabulous, easy-to-use sunscreen stick promises mess-free application wile also multi-tasking as a highlighter for face and body. Packed with antioxidants, hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing sunflower wax, the lightweight formula is suitable for all skin types. You can say goodbye to liquid restrictions too as this travel-friendly wonder is ready to accompany you on any adventure – be it beach days, poolside lounging, or city sunsets.
EDOS Swimwear
Make a splash this summer with EDOS swimwear. Born from a passion for nature and slow fashion, UAE based EDOS, create luxury swimwear with ECONYL, a regenerative nylon yarn made from recycled ocean waste including discarded fishing nets. Soft, durable, and UV-protective, their swimsuits encourage conscious consumers to ‘buy less, buy better’ by investing in quality pieces that stand the test of time.
The Avantguard Sunglasses
The Avantguard offer stylish, eco-friendly sunglasses perfect for your beach bag this summer. By focusing on small-batch manufacturing – up to 300 pieces per handcrafted style – this sustainable eyewear brand minimises its waste and maintains a reduced carbon footprint. Made from cellulose bio-acetates (produced from cotton and wood pulp fibers that break down within 115 days), these durable and stylish sunglasses are an ideal choice for sun-soaked adventures. Check out their Rewilding range for a variety of summery styles. (Shown here: Dahlia in Limestone Green plant-based acetate with Solid Brown Lens)
Clean Rebel Essence Toner
If you’re looking for a refreshing, beach-friendly skincare mist, Clean Rebel’s Essence Toner is a beach bag must-have. Not only is it packed with 98 percent organic or bio ingredients, it’s also vegan, cruelty-free and free from nasty chemicals that do way more harm than good. With a gentle, all-natural formula this hydrating spray toner is perfect for keeping your skin fresh and radiant, even on the sunniest of beach days. And with its sleek glass packaging, it’s not just kind to your skin, but kind to the environment too.
Classic Baltra Toquilla Straw Fedora Hat
The Classic Baltra Toquilla Straw Fedora Hat is an ideal addition to your beach bag for sunny escapades. Handcrafted by skilled Ecuadorian artisans using 100 per cent Toquilla straw, this hat is durable and sustainable, while being lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for long hours in the sun. Supporting the work of Ecuadorian artisans, this fedora is more than just a stylish beach accessory, you’ll also be preserving cultural heritage and contributing to the livelihood of local communities.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Kiss Lipbalm
Sunglasses, check. Sunscreen, check. Lip balm, check. Sun and saltwater can leave your lips dry and chapped, so keep them nourished with Sol de Janeiro’s Brazilian Kiss Cupuaçu Lip Butter. Formulated with cupuaçu butter, açaà oil and coconut oil this balm leaves lips smoother, softer, and hydrated. The brand offers cruelty-free and a range of vegan products, as well as refillable packaging to reduce waste. Keep your lips soft, hydrated, and ever-so kissable this summer by adding one of these caramel scented lip balms to your beach bag.
Lush Mouthwash Tabs – Zing!
Whether you’re enjoying a summer picnic, catching some waves, or just basking in the sun, these little gems are an alcohol-free, citrusy-fresh solution for freshening up your breath on-the-go. Each tab contains a blend of grapefruit, litsea cubeba, Sicilian red mandarin oils, and a touch of Himalayan rock salt to give you a zesty, refreshing experience. Plus, they’re compact, making them a great addition to your oral care routine and an easy beach bag accessory!
Supergoop SPF eyeshadow
Invest in some Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow for the unique benefit of a long-wearing cream eyeshadow with SPF 30 sun protection. Designed to keep the delicate skin around your eyes safe from harmful UV rays, you can choose from a range of shimmery shades including pink gold and champagne. Packed with non-toxic ingredients, Supergoop also use reef-safe formulas and we love their focus on placing SPF protection into daily makeup routines. A must-have addition to this year’s beach bag.
Ruh Naturals Deodorant
Ruh Naturals, a Dubai-based natural deodorant brand, is the perfect eco-friendly addition to your beach bag this summer. Their deodorants – which actually work in intense summer heat – are made with 100 per cent natural ingredients, including activated charcoal and essential oils, providing effective protection without clogging pores or irritating sensitive skin. The best part? Unlike some natural deodorants, this formula leaves no dirty residue after application, so you can stay fresh while soaking up the sun, with no mess or fuss. It is also aluminum, parabens, and synthetic fragrances free. What’s not to love?
Whind & Bamteek Travel Kit
This eco-friendly pouch, made from sustainable canvas, includes Whind’s Marrakech Rich Ultimate Cream in 15ml for the perfect boost of nourishment, Medina Dew Melting Rose Water Cream in 15ml for a burst of dewy moisture, Marrakech Light Illuminating Magic Oil in 10ml for that ultimate glow on the go, as well as Bamteek’s biodegradable face towels. This Travel Essentials Kit will keep your skin hydrated both during and after your day in the sun. While at the beach, remove sunscreen, sand and sweat with the biodegradable towels and enjoy a sun-filled beach day while keeping your skin healthy and refreshed.
