While we commonly see celebs sharing what’s in their purse – we prefer to know what’s in the bag you’re toting to the pool and beach, because we inevitably always forget something! So we asked our contributors to share what’s stowed in theirs. Check it out and see if any of these items may make a good add for yourself: 

Elizabeth Todd, The Shoe Hive, The Hive, Yellow Jacket: My summer beach bag must-haves are Coola Sun Silk Drops and Coola Radical Recovery. I really just like any product from Coola. It’s for sure my go-to suncare line. I also always carry a collection of baseball hats.

The Patterson Group: A summer beach tote is never complete without our beach read, favorite pair of sunglasses, face sunscreen, speaker, Shibumi Shade, and other essentials:

Kristen Mahoney, Women’s Therapy & Wellness: Our family likes to stay all day at the pool or beach, so protecting our skin is a must! I love Sun Bum and use the SPF 30 spray, as well as their hair and scalp sunscreen -- they are a must in my bag. For my face, I've been loving Dune Mug Guard Invisible Gel, SPF 30. It goes on smoothly, doesn't leave any sticky residue, and protects my face really well. I also have hand wipes to clean little hands before lunch or a snack.

Celthia, Bellacara: Here’s look at my favorite beach bag must-haves, all from Bellacara (below right).

Alex, American In Paris: I usually have at least two pairs of sunnies floating around my beach bag. Our Yunizon sunglasses are locally designed and are this month’s gift with purchase. Get a free pair with every $250 spent; spend $500 and get two (through July 31). 

Rainbow, Alexandria Stylebook: My summer tote is very, very heavy. I have an entire baggie filled with at least 10 bottles/spray cans of sunblock to cover every member of my family (and forgetful friends, too). For me, it’s Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50, Glow Oil SPF 50 and their Glow Stick for the face, also SPF 50. I also always have a baseball cap or wicker hat on, plus I also wear Supergoop broad spectrum sunscreen lip color in “Hey Y’All” – bright color and protection.

Rachel Gang, Helen Olivia Flowers: Baby wipes! My kids are forever buying/eating something sticky from the pool snack bar. 

Maria Elizabeth, Salon deZEN: I’m obsessed with Sunny Legs from American in Paris!

Katelin, Family First Law: In my bag —Ancient Greek pink sandals, Ray-Ban sunglasses, sunscreen, lip spf, Diet Coke, turkish towel and a book!

Adrien Cotton, Adrien Cotton Wellness: I stay cool at the beach with my refillable spray bottle and cooling mini fan. When I get overheated (or a hot-flash hits), I give myself a quick spritz on my face, neck, and wrists.The cool mist instantly lowers skin temperature, providing much-needed relief and the portable mini-fan offers a blast of cool air. See my recent Stylebook article, Beat Host Flashes with Your Beach Bag Essentials for more suggestions on how to keep cool.

What’s in your bag? Share with us below in the comments or on Instagram.

P.S. Celthia wins best beach bag because she’s the friend who has ALL the stuff – and we would be covered if we arrived with only a towel!

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