Holiday essentials: Don’t leave home without them!

Your hands are often exposed to the most sun, so protect them with a hand cream that includes sunscreen.

Try: Dr. LeWinn’s Hand & Nail Cream SPF 15, $24.95.

Available at www.drlewinns.com.au

A good quality beach towel will last you summer after summer!

Try: Jonathan Adler – George Printed Beach Towel in Lime, $134.78 or Orla Kiely Lilac Pink & Grass Jacquard Beach Towel, $59.73.

Available at www.shopstyle.com.au

A beach bag should be light, easy to carry and big enough to store all of your beach essentials.

Try: Adrina Tranclucent bag, $29.99.

Available at www.crocs.com.au.

Summer flats are a must and don’t be afraid to add a bit of sparkle or neon colour.

Try: Windsor Smith Santorini Sandals, $139.95.

Available at www.windsorsmith.com.au.

Who says you can’t wear a little make-up at the beach! If you want to enhance the natural look, try a little waterproof mascara.

Try: Diorshow Mascara, $52.

Available at www.dior.com

After that just-off-the-beach hair look? It’s easy to get even if you haven’t been for a dip.

Try: Toni and Guy’s Casual Sea Salt Texturising Spray, $15.99.

Available at: Woolworths, Coles, Priceline and Big W.

Don’t leave home without this stylish sun protector! Chose a hat that has neutral colours.

Try: Glassons Hat, $29.99.

Available at www.glassons.com and Glasson stores nationally.

The sexy one-piece is back! Opt for either bright colours or classic black and white.

Try: (from left) JETS ‘You Can’ Collection Empire Halter One Piece, $99.95, JETS ‘You Can’ Collection Contrast Infinity Halter One Piece, $119.95, or JETS ‘You Can’ Collection Multi Fit Tankini, $109.95.

All available at www.katies.com.au. or Katies stores nationwide.

Throughout summer, sunscreen should be your number one beauty product. Any time you are heading outdoors, lather it on and protect your skin.

Try: Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 30+ UVA-UVB, $19.95 (75g) or $32 (150g).

Available at www.invisiblezinc.com

Keep your skin hydrated and looking fresh with a tinted moisturizer.

Try: Estee Lauder DayWear Sheer Tint Release Advanced Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer, $65.

Available at www.esteelauder.com.au

Nothing says summer like some beautiful bright nails and this summer, the brighter the better.

Try: My Vampire is Buff, My Paprika is Hotter than Yours and Suzi’s Hungary AGAIN! from the new OPI Summer 2013 collection Euro Centrale, $19.95 each.

Available from February 6, 2013 at selected beauty salons, spas, David Jones nationally and March 1, 2013 at all Myer stores.

A great pair of sunglasses are sure to get you through the summer! Make sure you opt for glasses that are polarised.

Try: Bailey Nelson Sunglasses, $95.

Available at www.baileynelson.com.au.

If you’re the type of person who loves a walk or run on the beach, don’t forget to pack a good sports bra!

Try: Berlei Electrify underwire, $49.95.

Available at Myer, David Jones, Rebel Sport and www.berlei.com.au

There’s is nothing better than a cool mist during the hot summer months, so keep a body mist close by.

Try: Moringa Body Mist, $23.95.

Available at www.thebodyshop.com.au.

A dress that takes you from the beach to the bar or a restaurant is a great summer asset. Go for something light weight and non-crease material.

Try: Katies Maxi Dress, $59.95.

Available at www.katies.com.au. or Katies stores nationwide.

Keep your skin looking healthier and firmer by using a good exfoliator. If you’re a fake tan fan, exfoliating is essential before applying tan.

Try: Societe AHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $66.

Available by phoning 1800 648 851.

Your summer make-up should be all about sexy eyes, so don’t be afraid to highlight both day and night.

Try: NP Set Day to Night Eyeliner Duos, $20 each.

Available at www.npsetcosmetics.com NP Set Makeup Bars, selected Target and BIG W Stores, David Jones and selected stockists nationally.

After spending hours in the sun it’s important to protect your skin afterwards. Lather your body in enriched moisturisers, especially in places that have been exposed to a lot of sun.

Try: Vaseline moisturiser in dry skin, aloe fresh and cocoa glow, $5.41 (225ml), $7.89 (400ml) or

$11.57 (750ml).

Available at supermarkets and pharmacies nationwide.

Don’t forget to pack a comfy casual beach dress in your bag that can be worn with thongs or dressed up with sparkly flats.

Try: This Mix dress from Coles, $25.

Available at www.mixapparel.com.au.