LIFESTYLE // What's in my beach bag?

Aloha from Tenerife!
I'm here for a week and yes, that means a whole week on the beach. I've spent the past month looking for swimwear and now I finally get to wear it. Hooray!
I've seen so many posts like this and so wanted to do one myself. Here is a little look into what's on my beach bag!

First things first, shoes! I was going to get cheap flip-flops but I fell in love with these Birkenstock style ones from Primark. I love the metallic straps and, considering the sand is quite ashy and not really easy to walk on, I'm spending a lot of time around the pool rather than at the beach. I don't have to worry about getting sand in them and so disaster over forgetting to get rubber flip flops is avoided!

I usually have massive purses on a day-to-day basis which is not preferable when on holiday. My Dad picked me up this purse when he went on some sort of retreat and it is perfect for holidays! It's lovely and bright with embroidery (and small!). 

I love a bright lip and the Revlon lacquer balms are quite moisturising and so hopefully will act as a bit of protection from the sun. 

Tip: If you do intend to wear lipstick, try and remember to put suncream on your lips first and/or use an SPF lip balm. Burnt lips can lead to cold sores and all sorts of unwanted dry skin conditions that you don't want. You aren't going to feel comfortable enough to talk to that cute lifeguard if you have chapped lips and an oncoming cold sore are you?

Obviously my swimwear is packed! Also a must have is sun cream. I hate applying suncream and always miss spots and there isn't always a cute lad to rub it in your back. This one apparently is easy application via spray and absorbs instantly without that horrible sticky feeling. I will see about that! I usually start the week at an SPF of 40-50 and then go down to 20 later in the week but all that means is I have to apply it more frequently!

Sunglasses are a must! I really like these vintage cat eye style from River Island and are perfect for the beach due to them not having the nose pads that get caught in your hair or fall off leaving them useless!

Lastly, I'm taking my Nexus tablet with me on holiday this year. I have bought 4 books to take with me (as well as Maths for Chemists - I really need to work on my calculus!) and I couldn't even imagine having to carry those books about. I hope the screen is okay in the sun. I usually rent sun beds with parasols so fingers crossed! If not I will steal my Nephew's kindle for the week - he doesn't use it anyway (apparently).

So that is what is packed in my beach bag! Are you going on holiday soon? What sort of things do you take to the beach with you? Let me know!