Beach Essentials

Here are some of Bridal Guide’s favorite, easy to find (read: cheap!) products to make you look fab in the waves or on the sand.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock with Helioplex, SPF 85 & 100 ($10.99)             

After watching my sister successfully burn herself to a bright red crisp this weekend, I realized it’s important to just suck it up and sun block! Neutrogena’s waterproof and sweat-proof formula is going to give all the protection us beach bunnies need, without the goopy lotions that are a pain to apply and can wreak havoc on the inside of a beach bag (or a ring!). The non-greasy spray won’t clog pores, making it a perfect choice for those who hit the beach sans makeup.

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Sun Indulgence Lotion for Face, SPF 30 ($22.00)

You know who always forgets to put suntan lotion on her face? This blogger! With Estee Lauder’s new face lotion boasting protection from the most harmful of the sun’s rays as well as a great scent, you can just toss it in your suitcase and jet off to your sun-splashed honeymoon. Whether you’re on the beach, lounging by the pool or souvenir shopping for everyone back home, anytime you lift up your face to worship the sun, you know your skin will come home looking bronzed and beautiful, not battered.

Mark Totally Balmed Tinted Lip Balm, SPF 15 ($8.00)

Lips dried out and chapped by the sun are never a good idea, especially for a honeymooner. You don’t want hubby to be haunted by the words “You may now kiss the bride”! Get him to pucker up with a tinted lip balm that not only moisturizes and shields your lips from the sun, but also gives your breath a minty hint that he’ll be dying to taste.

Korres Aftersun Gel with Yogurt ($23.50)


The only thing worse than tangled, brittle beach hair is rough, irritated skin from too much sun and the gritty sand that manages to get everywhere. Romantic dinners with your new husband won’t be the same if instead of staring into your eyes he can’t help but compare you to the lobster on your plate! Yogurt and other extracts in the gel instantly start soothing and removing redness so you feel calm and refreshed. Keep the gel in the fridge to cool those really bad burns.

Kardashian Glamour Tan at Sephora ($34.00)


How many of us girls dream of a beach wedding with photos starring us as golden sun goddesses? I know I do! Still, I definitely don’t dream of tan lines or an embarrassing Oompa Loompa hue to my skin when I walk down the aisle. One safe solution is to self-tan before the big day. And if I’m going to take tanning advice from anyone, it has to be someone with beautiful skin. Kim Kardashian immediately comes to mind with her new tanning gel. Lucky for us that don’t like tanning outside, Kim’s self-tanner gives your skin a natural looking tan without the harsh chemicals of other tanners or the harmful rays of the sun.

guest blogger: Mara Berkoff