thePULSE
It’s time for fun in the sun with our swimsuit issue! So read on and get ideas about what you’ll need in your beach bag, how to find the perfect suit and ways to stay safe in the sun.
Beach Bag Essentials:
Heading to the beach? Add these to your must-have list.
Sun Protection
You definitely need to protect yourself from the sun if you’re heading out. Check out Green Goo’s Sunnies – fashionable two-toned sunglasses made of 100 percent recycled polycarbonate. greengoohelps.com.
And, of course, you’ll need sunscreen. True Natural uses organic ingredients to create its antioxidant, chemical-free sunscreen, which also meets the FDA requirements for broad-spectrum protection. truenatural.com.
The sun and sea can do a number on your hair. The Collagen Collection from RG Cosmetics brings back the moisture. Even better, it has travel sizes for your beach bag! rgcosmetics.com.
Beach Essentials
From the bag to the towel, there are just some things you have to have at the beach. Boutique Mexico’s handmade Mia Beach Tote offers an eye-catching, waterproof beach bag made by artisans in Guadalajara. It’s made from recycled plastic, and it’s pretty much indestructible, with the handle woven into the body of the bag for extra strength. boutiquemexico.com.
Don’t forget to throw a towel in your bag! Matador’s NanoDry Towel absorbs twice its weight in moisture and packs down into its own vented storage case. If you like to lie in the sun, check out Matador’s Pocket Blanket 2, which folds up small and unfolds big. The water-resistant feature and weighted corners allow you to relax in comfort. matadorup.com.
Wear your headphones around your wrist with Wraps Wristband headphones, which wrap up in a stylish bracelet. So take your headphones to the beach without worrying about tangled wires and lost headphones. mywraps.com.
Looking Great
If you’re going out after a day at the beach, you’ll need to add some after-beach gear to your bag. Check out the sandals from PASHA Jewelry. These jeweled sandals come in wedges and flats in a thong, ankle strap or sling-back style. Hand-crafted and made with natural stones, they’re perfect, whether you’re dressing up or going casual. designerdesirables.com.
Groove Ring offers a stylish choice for active people. With recessed grooves, a low-profile and air ports, this silicone ring is stylish and comfy. The active design means you can go from the beach to the bar, and a variety of colors means you can dress up any outfit. groovelife.co.
If your hair is a mess from swimming, just go boho chic with Harts & Pearls head wraps. Handmade and fashionable, the wraps are made from an organic bamboo knit blend that wicks away moisture. It’s a quick and easy hairstyle for after the beach. hartsandpearls.com.
Sun-smart Tips:
It’s time to have fun in the sun. So HydroChic, maker of sun-protective active swimwear and cruise wear, is offering up the sun-safety tips you’ll need this summer!
Respect & understand nature
The American Cancer Society reports that even though skin cancer is the most preventable kind of cancer, it’s on the rise! The sun doesn’t just send us warmth and light; it also sends UV (ultraviolet) radiation, which is known to cause skin cancer, premature skin aging and eye damage, and can weaken the immune system. By the way, these rays penetrate through clouds and can bounce off of water, concrete and even snow.
Tip: The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; consider planning your activities accordingly.
Tip: Remember that those harmful rays are everywhere except indoors and in the shade.
Don’t forget the sunscreen
Women of a certain age remember when people sat outdoors to “work on their tans” using reflective devices, tanning lotion and even baby oil. Today, we know with 100 percent certainty how very dangerous this practice is. Sunscreen should be taken very seriously whenever you go outdoors, not just to the beach or pool.
Tip: Don’t skimp on sunscreen. Apply it liberally wherever the skin is exposed – especially on children.
Tip: Because sunscreen loses effectiveness after two hours, apply it frequently, and be sure to reapply every time you swim, perspire or towel off.
Tip: Don’t forget your ears, neck, lips and exposed scalp area.
Tip: Read the label. Always use “broad spectrum” sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 15 is adequate for everyday use, but SPF 30 is recommended for extended outdoor time.
Cover up
Whether you’re at the beach or on a cruise, walking through the woods or running errands around town, clothing and accessories are your best defense against UV rays every day of the year. Here are some ways to ensure optimal protection (and look snazzy at the same time):
Tip: Keep sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat on hand whenever you head out the door. Some people keep a second set in the car.
Tip: When getting dressed, remember: the darker the color and the tighter the weave, the better the protection.
Tip: Shop smart – HydroChic only uses fabric with a UPF rating of 50+, the industry’s maximum rating.
For more information, visit hydrochic.com. HydroChic, LLC, maker of sun-protective active swimwear and cruise wear, was co-founded by Daniella Teutsch and Sara Wolf and launched in May 2008. HydroChic is based in New Rochelle, N.Y.
Find the Best Suit for You:
Fashion stylist Steven Lassalle is offering his tips to find a swimsuit that shows off your best assets. Swimsuits are on sale right now, so you’re going to want to read this before you go shopping.
Want to show off your bust?
Lassalle recommends finding a halter top swimsuit with a sweetheart neckline.
“Pick a halter for lift. … It will give you a perfect shape!” he noted.
Looking to enhance your bust line?
Fringe, patterned, ruffles and cut-out designs are what you need.
“Look for a printed two-piece suit with ruffles or fringes, or if you prefer a one-piece, choose a swimsuit with padded cups and side cutouts. It will enhance your girls.”
Are you looking to show off your backside that you’ve spent all winter working on?
Frills and ruching are going to be your butt’s best friend this summer!
Lassalle said, “A great way to show off your butt is to look for bathing suit bottoms that have frills and ruching. It gives you an illusion of a bigger behind.”
However, don’t forget about finding the right top, too! “Top it off with bright solid colors and beautiful print, and you’re sure to turn heads,” he added.
Want a smaller waist and an hourglass figure?
If you’re looking for a one-piece style, find a body-shaping swimsuit that will give you compressed control that slims down your figure. As for a bikini, a two-piece suit with a high-waisted bottom will do the trick! This will sculpt your waist and give it a slimmer look.
“Also, try to find a bathing suit with ruching, as it will create a thinner waistline. Also, remember to look for those printed, colorful swimwear items that surely help camouflage what you want to hide!”
Want your legs and back to be the star?
Lassalle recommends getting a high-cut bikini, but for more drama, try a one-piece!
There are many ways to show off your back, but he said, “One great way is try to find a very low back swimsuit or you can even try a crisscross back low back – the detail will add to your sexy back!”
For more information, visit stevenlassalle.com.
