Beach Essentials

If you're spending a day at the beach, whether it's at the ocean or a lake, you'll want protect yourself from the sun, sand and water, while also packing light.

So, on The Early Show Tuesday, Real Simple magazine's Kris Connell featured numerous items to make your trip to she shore fun, safe, and easy. They'll also keep you comfortable, and looking good.

Wear These

CALYPSO FLIP-FLOPS, $30
WHY BRING THEM: More versatile than rubber cheapies, these sleek metallic numbers work as well with a swimsuit as with a sundress. Also in gold.
TO BUY:212-274-0449.

HELEN KAMINSKI HAT, $65
WHY BRING IT: Crushable and rollable, this double-duty hat blocks the sun's harmful rays and keeps you looking chic. Also in black, natural, and navy.
TO BUY: Fred Segal Hats, 310-393-2216.

AVEENO SUNBLOCK, $11
WHY BRING IT: This SPF 30 sunblock is extremely gentle on the skin, so you can use it all over the body as well as on the face. Bonus: No coconut scent or greasy consistency.
TO BUY: At drugstores.

EDDIE BAUER TUNIC, $44.50
WHY BRING IT: Having a crisp, white cotton-polyester terry cover-up on hand makes that stroll down the beach a little less intimidating. The hood gives extra protection from the blazing sun. Also in black.
TO BUY: www.eddiebauer.com.

When You Find Your Perfect Spot on the Beach

COMPANY STORE TOWEL, $25
WHY BRING IT: Mark your territory with this plush, oversize towel. It comes in 19 colors and can be monogrammed for an extra $6.
TO BUY: www.thecompanystore.com.

TUFFO BLANKET, $40
WHY BRING IT: This water-resistant nylon-backed cotton blanket is large enough for two, is machine washable, and comes in its own carrying case with a handle. Available in 12 patterns.
TO BUY: www.tuffo.com.

CRATE & BARREL BEACH CHAIR, $25
WHY BRING IT: A beach chair should be comfortable and easy to carry. This one, with a handy carrying strap, fits the bill.
TO BUY: www.crateandbarrel.com.

BEACHSTAKES SAND STAKES, $15
WHY BRING THEM: Lying spread-eagle on a blanket, pinning down windswept corners with fists and toes, is no fun. So try these.
TO BUY: www.endlesssummerlifestyles.com.

Should You Experience Bumps, Bugs, or Sticky Sand

FIRST-AID KIT, $10
WHY BRING IT: Because Frisbees + boogie boards + surf = scrapes and bruises. With a kit that includes bandages, gauze, and painkillers, you'll be prepared.
TO BUY: Similar kits can be found at www.drugstore.com.

JOHNSON'S BABY POWDER, $2
WHY BRING IT: Sprinkle baby powder over the sand sticking to your legs, and with a quick brush of the hand, voilà! -- the sand slides away. The powder also masks that seaweed smell.
TO BUY: At drugstores.

AVON BUG GUARD, $10
WHY BRING IT: Seawater invigorates the skin; bug bites do not. This spray-on guard helps keep six-legged critters at bay so you can quit swatting and put your hands to better work: paddling.
TO BUY: www.avon.com.

HUGGIES WIPES, $2.30
WHY BRING THEM: This snap-front case holds 16 generously sized wipes, which are perfect for removing sun block from hands or freshening up at the end of the day.
TO BUY: www.drugstore.com.

And for Easy Carrying

WALKER BAGS, $16 to $26
WHY BRING THEM: A range of lightweight mesh bags keeps the inner depths of your beach tote tidy and sorted, whether you use them to store cash, snacks, or a seashell collection.
TO BUY: www.walkerbags.com.

LA LEASH POCHETTE POUCH, $60
WHY BRING IT: Just large enough to hold a hotel key, your license, a credit card, and some cash, this leather wallet saves you from bringing your purse.
TO BUY: www.laloop.com.

L.L. BEAN BAG, $37
WHY BRING IT: The zip top prevents sunscreen from tumbling out, and the extra-long handles make this tote shoulder-friendly. Plus, it's super-sized to fit all your essentials, and then some.
TO BUY: www.llbean.com.

ZIPLOC BAGS, $4.30
WHY BRING THEM: Store wet swimsuits in waterproof bags so the rest of your belongings don't get damp. Bring extra for collecting trash when you call it a day.
TO BUY: www.drugstore.com.