10 Indispensable (and Often Forgotten) Beach-Bag Essentials

Wet Wipes

Maybe you purchased an ice cream and your sticky hands are now caked in sand. Or maybe your mascara is running down your face after a dip in the ocean. Or maybe you touched some unidentified slimy thing in the water. The solution to any of these beach conundrums is a packet of wet wipes. Pack a product like La Fresh's makeup-remover wipes or antibacterial wipes and avoid the long walk to the crowded public-beach bathroom.

Lip Balm With SPF

Sunscreen is an obvious essential for days at the beach. But don't forget about your lips. Pack a balm that contains sunscreen in order to protect your smile. The American Melanoma Foundation recommends using a lip balm with SPF 15 or higher.

Sunscreen for Your Face

Do you really need two types of sunscreen? Maybe. Packing one kind of sunscreen for your face and one for your body could be a smart move. Folks susceptible to breakouts or those who have sensitive skin might require a special formula to apply above the neck. The Skin Cancer Foundation says that "acne-prone patients should avoid greasy sunscreens (often marketed as 'creams'), since they may exacerbate breakouts; the UVB filter ensulizole has a lighter, less oily consistency than most other chemical sunscreens."

You've likely packed a sun hat, an indispensable item for any beach bag. But do you have the means to manage your hair when the cap comes off? Between wind and waves and drying sun rays, your mane takes a beating at the beach. Long-haired folks should put plenty of hair ties and a headband or two (to handle flyaways) in that beach bag.

Waterproof Bag

Protect valuables like your iPod, wallet, and phone from stray waves and dripping kids with a waterproof bag that goes inside your beach carryall. A product like this multipurpose case could save your expensive essentials from watery ruin. We also like Subtech Sports' Dryskin Series waterproofing phone protector, which you can use to take underwater pictures with your smartphone.

Leave-In Conditioner

Here's another oft-forgotten hair-care essential. When saltwater turns your tresses into a mess of tangles, spray some leave-in conditioner into your hair to protect your strands from breakage while combing. Choose a product with SPF, such as Aveda's Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, for an extra bit of defense against damaging sun rays.

Trash Bag

Unless you're planning to stake your claim to beach space near a trash can, you probably won't have easy access to a convenient place to dispose of wrappers, used wet wipes, tissues, napkins, et al. Remember, then, to include a balled-up plastic grocery bag or trash bag in your beach carryall to use for waste. Beaches are often windy places, and we certainly don't want any scraps of plastic or paper flying into the ocean.

Bug Spray

When traveling to an unfamiliar beach, it's particularly important to be prepared for any possible pests, from 'skeeters to horseflies to hornets. Mosquitos and other bugs, a hazard at lake beaches and in some tropical destinations in particular, can be kept at bay with a quality spray. Something like Off! Active, which is specially formulated to be resistant to sweat, will make a great addition to your bag.

Antiperspirant

You're probably going to sweat on the beach, and frequent dips in the water will wash away the antiperspirant you caked on before you left your hotel. So be sure to throw that tube of deodorant in your beach bag so that you can reapply if needed. Keep in mind that some kinds of deodorant will melt in the sun, so you might opt for an aerosol or a roll-on deodorant.

After-Sun Lotion

If you didn't apply enough sunscreen (the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours and right after swimming or sweating) and you're feeling burnt, you'll thank your former self for packing an after-sun product. Something with aloe, which cools the skin, is a smart choice. Try this hydrating aloe mist from Hampton Sun or this aloe-packed after-sun rescue balm from Clinique.

More From Smartertravel:

• 10 Incredibly Useful Travel Products for Summer
• 10 Adorable (and Affordable) Beach Cottages for Summer
• How to Pack the Perfect Beach Bag