13 Must-Haves for Your Beach Bag

Beach bums: It doesn't matter how much the sun is shining or how warm the water is. If you don't have all the necessities with you, your fun in the sun can quickly turn gloomy.

We went to White's Pharmacy, a 136-year-old East Hampton business, in search of their best items for beach bags. Turns out, they sell a few beach bags, too. Our favorite? An oversized beach tote from For Color ($32) that has a terry cloth interior, an easy-to-keep-clean exterior and three roomy pockets.

Here are the 13 must-haves we found on the pharmacy's shelves (in no particular order) for your perfect beach bag:

1. Evian Natural Mineral Water Spray

What better place for a cool most to rehydrate your skin from overheating than when you are soaking up some rays? The spray will help you look fresh, especially when running errands after an afternoon at the beach. White's sells 10.1 fluid ounces with a smaller travel size one for $21.

2. eos Smooth Lip Balm Sphere

No ordinary Chapstick, this lip balm comes in a delightful colorful little globe, making them easier to find when rummaging through your bag, and harder to misplace. They are all-natural, 95 percent organic, and not tested on animals. White's sells them in strawberry sorbet and tangerine flavors for $3.99.

3. Hair clips

How many times have you gone to the beach and wished you'd remembered a simple hair tie. There's plenty of hair accessories ranging in prices from $5 to $12.

4. Janeke brush

Whether you just want to brush your hair after a dip or you want to make sure you look decent après beach, these colorful hard-bristle brushes are the perfect size for a beach bag. At $17.75, we are sure they must last a while.

5. Hampton Sun Sunscreen

This sunscreen line was co-founded by a Southampton resident and offers a full line of sun-tanning products that combine moisturizers, anti-oxidants and sun protection. Depending on the size of the bottle, prices are in the $10 to $32 range.

6. East Hampton hat

For those looking for some shade, a baseball cap might just do. White's sells baseball caps that say "East Hampton" across them. They make great gifts, too. Price: $20

7. Rice Paper blotters

You are bound to sweat a bit on a hot day, and instead of wiping it away with an irritating towel, gently blot your face to keep it perfect. A packet costs $4.19.

8. Hamptons Crossword Puzzle

This will surely keep you entertained on the beach for many visits to come. Created by Sheridan Sansegundo, the former Arts editor at The East Hampton Star, the book will ensure you're never bored. Price: $9.95

9. Burt's Bees Hand Sanitizer

You never know when you need to clean-up your hands. This product eliminated 99.99 percent of germs, while keeping them smooth and soft thanks to the aloe and witch hazel combination. White's sells it for $5.50.

10. Sunglasses

Leave your designer pair at home because at the beach they are bound to get sandy or get crushed. Even low-end sunglasses offer UV protection, and this store has a wide variety that range in price.

11. babyhampton beach*bum sunstick

Created by an Amagansett mom, babyhampton offers a line of sunscreen that does not contain certain harmful chemicals. Instead, it uses jojoba, coconut and avocado oils and shea and cocoa butter. The SPF 30 sunstick is unscented and perfect for the face, nose, ears and lips. Who said it was just for kids? Price: $14.99

12. La Fee de Paris Swim Cap

Swim caps are making a come back and this one is colorful and stylish, not to mention a bargain at $3.

13. Magazines, magazines, magazines

If crossword puzzles aren't for you, White's has a good selection of magazines. Throw a bunch in your beach bag and share with friends.

Special thanks to Jeta Islami, a sales associate, who helped us find the items.