[outfit_details]Rainbow Bikini c/o Show Me Your Mumu, Boll & Branch Beach Towel, Kendra Scott Earrings[/outfit_details]

I really hate wearing makeup at the beach. Maybe it’s because I spent years reporting in the hot and humid weather and sweating in a full face of makeup. If I’m at the beach with friends or even for a blog shoot, I stick to the basics. I totally understand wanting to put your best face forward, so I’m sharing my five summer beauty essentials. These items will help you look pulled together but won’t make you feel cakey or like you’re wearing a full face. You can sweat and won’t worry about your pores getting clogged. I will admit, I love my false eyelashes and I feel like they make all the difference for me. They are not for everyone though so you can totally skip this step.

1. SPF FOR YOUR FACE

Of course, the first item on my five summer beauty essentials is sunscreen. I have tried a lot of sunscreen over the years and when it comes to what goes on your face, this clear sunscreen with SPF 40 is hands down the best. I wrote a full blog post on it here. Plus, Johnny has zero complaints when I apply this on his face, which is a major win. It’s clear and goes on silky smooth. One of my favorite aspects is how it doubles as a primer under makeup if you decide to wear any. This is my go-to SPF every single day unless I’m wearing the CC Cream equivalent.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to wear SPF every single day. One in five Americans will get skin cancer. Even though I use sunscreen every day that statistic was just that, a statistic, until a friend of mine who is younger than 28 got skin cancer. Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays will also keep you looking younger, longer. Now, who doesn’t want that? I also dab a bit onto my lips to keep them protected, too.

2. SPF FOR YOUR BODY

Just as important as it is to put SPF on your face, don’t forget about your body. This mousse is my family’s favorite, whether we’re going to the arboretum, on a walk in the neighborhood or spending some time in my Mom’s backyard. It’s super lightweight, not greasy and has SPF 50. This is also Johnny approved, so you know it’s legit.

Remember to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure. Applying it when you get to the beach or outside leaves you exposed for half an hour. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, too! Use the same amount – don’t skimp!

3. SHEER LIPSTICK/LIP BALM

My lips tend to get dry very quickly, so I love to bring sheer lipstick to the beach. This summer, I’m loving this fruity lipstick in the shade pink biscotin. Nude infusion is also another fantastic shade. This particular lipstick doesn’t have SPF but I normally dab some sunscreen on my lips so they are protected.

4. MOISTURIZER

If you’re going to be exposed to the sun, don’t forget to keep your skin moisturized, too! Before applying sunscreen don’t forget to moisturize your skin and feel free to reapply as necessary. I love this moisturizer with hyaluronic acid for my face and this one with vitamin c for the body. Of course, the best way to moisturize is to drink tons of water. I drink about a gallon a day and when I’m at the beach, I set a timer for every 20 minutes to drink water, so I don’t get dehydrated.

5. BRIGHTENING SERUM

A new purchase I’m already absolutely in love with. This brightening lumi-serum is a holy grail item and will make you look like a bronze goddess. I’m wearing the shade Sunny Flash all over my face (applied with a foundation brush) as the final step. This is the glow you see on the tops of my cheeks and really smooths out my skin. It’s absolutely worth every single penny. Don’t worry about the shade appearing too dark. I thought Sunny Flash would be too dark for me, but it’s not.