The sun is blissful, but when you're unprotected, it can result in a myriad of concerns including premature ageing (thanks to the UV rays damaging your collagen and elastin in your dermis), sun-induced pigmentation, and sunburn. That's why you want to pop a trusty SPF in your beach bag, it’ll defend against the sun’s rays. Clé de Peau Beauté’s UV Protective Cream  is high on our list as it’s lightweight and white cast-free. With UVA and UVB protection, this wonder shields against sun and air pollution which you can often forget about when you're relaxing beachside. Also, thanks to its moisturising ingredients (Asian ginseng and ginkgo biloba leaf extracts) your skin will remain hydrated and radiant despite the perils of a dry and humid climate. Another match made in hydration heaven is  Saltee’s City Serum SPF 50. The formula contains panthenol which reduces the chances of transepidermal water loss (in other words, the amount of water that evaporates from your skin) and prevents skin from feeling tight and dehydrated. Also, one for your lips is  Ultra Violette’s Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 50;  not only does it protect against sunburn and sun damage, but it also comes in a range of shades and a gorgeous shimmer, ideal for a touch of colour if you're going after a no-make-up, make-up look.

While  SPF is one preventative measure, antioxidants are another, as they are great for minimising and slowing down the damaging effects of free radicals (free radicals, in short, are unstable molecules that damage the collagen, proteins, and lipids beneath your skin's surface due to UV radiation). As a protective shield over your SPF or make-up, experts recommend spritzing a mist such as  MZ Skin’s Anti-Pollution Hydrating Mist.  Not only a flush of cold water on your skin it contains vitamin C, as an antioxidant, to neutralise free radicals and minimise any skin damage.

The key to a long-lasting tan is to apply your after-sun products at the end of a long beach day. Granted, it may not sit alongside your sunscreen that you top-up every two hours during the day, but after a cool shower in the evening, introduce a tan extender to prolong the glow.  Sisley’s After-Sun Care Tan Extender  is a great option: the tan extender is formulated with shea butter and plant glycerine to ensure skin remains bronzed and hydrated. And on the subject of skin staying hydrated post-sunshine, reach for products that contain squalene. The superstar emollient restores moisture and soothes skin that feels sensitive or has peeled due to the heat. One for the packing list is  Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask with 10.5% Squalane. It treats dry skin, targets UV damage, and infuses moisture into your skin, making it an aftercare essential. Or, pack  Lancaster’s Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion,  it has a healing blend (great for sunburn) made with hyaluronic acid and a repairing complex that'll act as a soothing veil over chapped skin, revealing a soft  and supple complexion.

No one enjoys repeatedly topping up their make-up under the midday sun, so beat the heat with  Gucci’s Mattifying Primer.  It's formulated with moambe jaune tree extract, salicylic acid, and bamboo powders to help regulate sebum production, reduce unwanted shine, and stop your complexion products from slipping and sliding. After prepping with a primer, apply  Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturiser Light Reveal  – a lightweight option for those that want a little coverage while allowing your skin to breathe. The tinted moisturiser contains radiant pearl blends that boost luminosity, meaning you can pop any highlighters back in your suitcase as the shine-reflecting base has  you covered. Finish the look with a soft, finely-milled blurring powder such as  Westman Atelier’s Pressed Skincare Powder  – make-up or not – it can help keep any unwanted oil or shine at bay. A warmer climate means additional hydration is essential, so complete your look (and top-up with)  Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray.  A final step to locking your make-up in place, it's formulated with aloe vera and Japanese green tea (both rich in antioxidants and beneficial for laying beachside) to keep skin moisturised.

Often forgotten about, but is so important when you're at the beach is protecting your hair and scalp. Sun exposure can damage your hair’s structure and protein, causing it to become brittle and dull. Protect it with  Rahua’s Heat Protectant Shield.  As a plant-based leave-in protectant, it will nourish and soften strands and leave a sweet and creamy fragrance (using notes of coconut and guava) after each spritz. One item to minimise dry tresses is Hair Rituel by Sisley’s Revitalising Fortifying Serum. You can apply this from root to tip, and thanks to vitamin peptides to improve hair density, einkorn wheat extract to strengthen, and rice protein for strand regeneration - say hello to soft, shiny, and healthy hair.

Choosing your beach bag fragrance is an important task; it will need to last all day but not feel too overpowering or overwhelming on your skin. For a fresh and light scent, try  Bond No 9’s Jones Beach eau de parfum. A combination of orange blossom, violet, and musk, the citrus and white floral blend smells like a tropical escape in a bottle. Another perfume worth the investment is   Veronique Gabai’s AROMA Soul eau de parfum. Inspired by the French Riviera, this soothing scent blends aromatherapy ingredients such as clary sage to help you unwind and switch off. On the other hand, nothing says holiday escape quite like the sweet scent of hibiscus, and Maison Crivelli has captured this feeling in a bottle.    Hibiscus Mahajád Perfume Extract   is fruity and floral, with base notes of vanilla for a comforting touch. Or, if you're looking for a long-lasting fragrance, try  Roja Dove Musk Aoud Crystal Parfum  - an enticing mix of musky ambrette, oakmoss, and leather that's sweetened with vanilla and aoud. After something warm and spicy?  Goldfield & Banks’ Island Lush Pure Perfume    is a firm favourite. This scent is irresistible thanks to the patchouli, cedarwood, nutmeg, and ginger. And if the holiday blues kick in and you're after a scent that'll transport you back poolside, reach for Tom Ford’s Soleil de Feu. A smoky, woody-amber perfume, the warm notes of sandalwood, tuberose, and bergamot essence will remind you of the golden nirvana after each spritz.