BEACH LUXE

5 TIPS ON HOW TO ENJOY A DAY AT THE BEACH

The Editor Rashade St Patrick shares his tips for a chic trip to the coast.

As I got older going to the beach took on a whole different meaning. What once used to be just another ‘let-go’ day, where I’d play in the sand and dive wildly into incoming waves is no more. Sand in the hair is just not so cute anymore, nor is stripping lips, dry skin or sunburn. Beach runs are now mandatorily inclusive of the beach selfie, alcohol, music and designer flip flops and swim trunks. I must say; while I enjoyed the carelessness of my youth, I’m quite delighted by how much I enjoy going to the beach as stylish adult. Here’s my tips on how to beach-it the luxe way.

ONE FIND A BEACH

First thing first is to find a suitable beach. If you’re like me and lives in Kingston you’d know that our beach options are not so many. A good place to look for a cool spot is Bull Bay in neighboring parish of St Thomas. Second to that would have to be Boardwalk in St Catherine. It’s pretty windy and wild at both locations but its decent fun.

TWO HEALTH FIRST... well, second apparently

Whether your black, white or purple sunscreen is very important to maintaining healthy skin. You’ll want to find one that has SPF 30 or more. I use the Sunscreen care oil SPF 30 from Clarins, it has subtle smell and for my dry skin an oily sunscreen is perfect for me with the added benefit of silky and shiny black beach skin. Lip protection is also important. I use the Blistex mint balm and the medicated lip ointment also from Blistex.

THREE HIGH FOR THIS

Depending on the type of beach run your engaging in you’ll have to pair your spirit accordingly. Take for instance the other day I was in Mobay and woke up at 8am to the waves calling me. So I called room service and had them arrange a fab little set-up on the bach for me and my pal with fruits and mimosas. As the day progressed with swapped out the champagne and orange juice to vodka and cranberry. If however it’s a ‘rougher flex’ (I like those too) say, somewhere in bullbay. I usually opt for a cue of Appleton with redbull and or cran juice.

FOUR DRESS IT UP

Sunglasses, flip flops/espadrilles, light t-shirt or tank top and a simple beach tote is the relevant pieces for a day at the beach. I usually throw in a cap or fedora hat for extra chicness and protection. My go-to flats are from Marc Jacobs and Havaianas. My go-to swim trunks are also from Marc Jacobs, asos also retails really good ones. T-shirt, tank top and beach totes is VULGAR for sure, stay tuned for the new capsule collection coming soon.

FIVE BEACH BUMS

Plural, what’s a day at the beach without friends? On a regular trip I keep it tight; anywhere between one to three friends. Four is a crowd, unless it’s a bonfire party situation. Take some who either drinks or smokes, knows how-to swim or isn’t afraid of the water and who shares your taste in music.

Lastly, take with you your fun bags. Leave you inhibitions at home and enjoy. Another good tip is timing, everything in moderation. 3 hours at the beach and I’m over it. A good post beach activity for me is some late seaside lunch at Hellshire if you went to boardwalk and Gloria’s if you went to Bull bay. Followed by a nice long shower and at least 3hours sleep. Then sit back and enjoy all your likes and comments from the earlier beach selfie you would’ve posted to Instagram.

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