I’m ready for all things summer over here. Seriously. After a long week (it feels like it should be Friday already), I’m ready for a beach day. There are some things I stock up on to prepare for the season, and I wanted to share the ones I use the most. I’m talkin’ summer staples that help me avoid things like thigh chafing and blisters from cute sandals.

TO AVOID BLISTERS FROM SANDALS…

About five years ago, I discovered BandAid Blister Block. It was a magical product that looked like a mini tube of deodorant. You put it on areas where you feel like you may get a blister and you don’t get a blister. Sadly, I think they discontinued it because I can’t find it in stores and it’s an outrageous price on eBay ($85 for two sticks?!!). Last year I went on a hunt for something comparable, and I found it in Compeed Anti-Blister Stick. I used it all last summer and am happy to report that it works just as well, goes on clear, and saves my feet from a lot of blisters.

TO AVOID THIGH CHAFING…

When I was in high school, I would rub deodorant on my inner thighs to keep them from chafing, but it never really worked that well and ended up getting white marks everywhere. A couple years back, I found a better solution. It’s called Body Glide, and it’s kind of similar to the Compeed Blister Block, but in a larger format. It’s meant to be for runners who have chafing, so it stays on through sweating. I only have to reapply once on super hot days.

I also like to wear nude shapewear short bottoms sometimes, too. It eliminates any rubbing, and also is great for hiding underwear when I have on a dress that’s a bit more sheer. Shapermint has some great options on their site that don’t roll down in the stomach area when you move around or sit.

TO NOT GET SAND FROM THE BEACH STUCK IN A BAG FOR FOREVER…

A PVC tote bag is a lifesaver for me. I think it’s super chic. But most importantly, it doesn’t get dirty/stained. It’s see-through, so you’re able to quickly find anything in it, and it can be wiped out with a damp cloth to easily remove all the sand.

FOR A NON-SMELLY FAUX TAN…

While I don’t think you have to be tan to put on a swim suit (and I am most certainly not), I do like to fake a glow every now and again, especially at the beginning of summer. I have an extremely strong sense of smell, so I’ve pretty much hated every self tanner I’ve come across. And let’s not even talk about getting it on your clothes! But NKD Skin has the most insane self tanning product. You put it on before you shower. YES. You apply it, shower 10 minutes later, and within a few hours you have a tan. And you don’t feel sticky, smell weird, or have to deal with color transfer.

FOR A COMFORTABLE & VERSATILE SWIMSUIT…

I discovered Kitty & Vibe, a size-inclusive swimwear company that makes the most comfortable swimsuits with different sizes based on the shape of your booty, when I met the owner at a body positivity panel I was on. I’ve tried on every single style (all of which are reversible), and none disappoints. I personally love the High Waisted Bottom and the Underwire Top.

FOR SUN PROTECTION…

As I mentioned in my last post about my skincare routine before and after going to the beach, I love to layer my sunscreens in multiple forms. This week, I actually had my photo taken with special technology to see how much sun damage I have. I found out that because of my genetics, my skin is more sensitive to UVA/UVB rays than others’. Which means sun care is even more important for me. I use CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion AM with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen every morning and follow it up with Almay Smart Shade CC Luminous Primer SPF 15 & Purlisse BB Tinted Moist Cream SPF 30. For areas of my body that are exposed to the sun (depending on what I’m wearing), I use Lubriderm Daily Moisture Body Lotion With Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen.

Also, it’s not just about the skin! Since coloring my hair, I’ve realized how much being out in the sun can mess with the hue of it. I’ve been using Arrojo Healing Oil, which is a superfine mist of nourishing oils that contains sunscreen for hair protection to keep it looking fresh. I also appreciate that this mist actually speeds up the blow drying process when I wash my hair.

SUMMER STAPLES: