Perhaps, singer Jimmy Buffet said it best: “Sky above, sand below, peace within. If there’s heaven for me, I’m sure it has a beach attached to it.”

Ah-hh, the beach is where it’s at this summer, and whether you’re relaxing in the sun midway through a saucy novel or taking in the breaking waves, there are definitely a few essentials to bring with you. Shopping experts are sharing their favorite beach must-haves.

1. Beach Attire

This is probably the most important item for the day. It doesn’t matter if you prefer to head to the beach in a bold and beautiful bikini, a glam tankini, a sassy swimdress, or a slenderizing one-piece, bathing suits for women should allow you to feel your best, look confident and comfortable and be flattering to your individual figure.

There is beautiful beachwear for everyone because there are several body types that can help you choose the right looks. Check out this fashion guide for excellent tips.

2. Tote Bag

You need the right, big bag to hold your essentials, and a tote bag that’s sand-proof is the modern way to hit the sun and surf.

That’s right, a sand-free bag lets you enjoy the day without tracking any sand into your car or home. The patented technology keeps the sand out of the bottom of your bag. It all comes down to the tote’s unique fabric weave that naturally sifts the sand through the bottom of the bag as you walk and won’t come up through the fabric when you set it down.

That’s what you called a fab, weekend, outdoor bag!

3. Flip-Flops

You can slip into sexy, high-heeled sandals for your day in the sun, but remember that beach sand can ruin your favorite pair of footwear, and your heels will sink into the sand making it difficult to walk. Trying to remove grains of sand from tiny cracks and crevices in your shoes isn’t so easy, either. Fashion pros highly recommend inexpensive, rubber flip-flops for comfort and convenience.

You want a pair of beach sandals or flats that you can slip on and off instantly, and if you’re buckled or strapped into footwear, it’s a hassle to wear.

Flip-flops allow your feet to breathe, and move around and won’t irritate or chafe your feet. Keep the espadrilles and platform sandals for apres-beach time.

4. Polarized Sunglasses

A pair of shades should be mandatory for fun in the sun and sea because the powerful UVA/UVB rays can be damaging. Not only can wrinkles form around the eyes, but you can also develop cataracts from years of sunlight exposure.

Eye experts advise investing in a pair of polarized sunglasses for bonus protection. For example, when you’re spending time outdoors, you need a strong pair of sunnies, and polarized lenses offer built-in UV protection which is extremely important.

Also, these sunglasses provide clearer vision as the lenses are made to filter bright light and will improve your contrast and visual clarity.

Polarized shades also stop squinting because they reduce eye strain.

5. Sunscreen And More

No one likes to preach, but you shouldn’t spend fun days at the beach without bringing along the sunscreen with 50 SPF. There are so many brands to choose from that offer you broad-spectrum UVA, UVB, and IRA protection (infrared rays).

That’s not all. In your big sand-free tote, toss in the lip balm, and your lips will thank you later.

Did you know that lips can get sunburned?

The tissue that makes up your lips is very thin, delicate and comes with zero sweat glands, and only produces a small amount of melanin. That’s why it’s important to protect your lips from the sun by using a lip balm with SPF to keep them hydrated and nourished.

Another beauty item to consider is UV-protecting hair spray made for all hair types. The formula goes on quickly with a few spritzes, and it contains frizz-blocking ingredients with sea salt to give your hair texture, body, and waves.

Heading to the beach this summer? Who could blame you? If you include these must-haves listed above, then, you’ll have a relaxing, carefree, perfect beach day. Enjoy.