I don't wanna jinx it, but summer is on the way, *allegedly*. Given how unpredictable the weather is here in Aotearoa, you're gonna want to have your beach bag packed, stacked and ready to go the moment the sun is out for more than 10 minutes.

Lucky for you, we've sussed everything you need to be serving Mermaid Dua Lipa in the 'Barbie' movie energy this summer. 

Obvi, this is the single most important thing to pack in your beach bag, cos we know the NZ  sun is fiercer than your NYE festie outfit. Problem is, there are so many options, it's hard to know where to start. 

If you wanna make everyone on the beach go 'oooh', you might wanna try busting out the Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF30 Radiant Sun Mousse ($47) - yes, sunblock in mousse form. It's lux and lightweight, and so fun to use. 

Avène Sunscreen Face and Body Lotion SPF50+ ($29.99) is gonna be your one-stop shop for both face and body, whether you have sensitive skin or are looking for a super high level of sun protection.

Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ range has got you sussed with 4-hour water resistant Body Lotion ($24.99) and their deep hydrating Face Lotion ($26.99), or you can try their SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Tinted Face Fluid ($20.99) for a subtle bit of colour. 

You don't wanna be lugging a bunch of creams and a heavy make-up bag around in your cute beach tote, but you don't have to totally forget about getting your glow on post-swim. 

Solv's range of Eco Beauty Capsules ($25.95) are little individual doses of skincare gold - the outer shell of the capsules are made of seaweed, so they're biodegradable and can even be dissolved in water and fed to your plants. I've been loving the Plump n' Glow Serum for hydration and supporting skin barrier, but there's all sorts to choose from. Try the Shake Off Shine Serum to mattify, blur imperfections and minimise pores to go from beach to bar. 

When it comes to a 'no makeup' makeup look, Bondi Sands Be Bronze Instant Bronzing & Hydrating Serum ($22.99) is a great dupe for the much pricier viral Drunk Elephant product. It's super pigmented and glowy, so you just add a few drops to your moisturiser. 

SugarBaby's Good-To-Glow Natural Glow Face & Decolletage Self Tan Serum ($32.99) is another fab tan meets skincare combo - it smells like coconut, dries fast and is infused with glow-boosting mica particles to make you sparkle in the sun. 

Some of the best beachy days turn into party nights, so you might want a few easy bits in your bag to help the transition. Swisspers 3 in 1 Cleanser Infused Pads ($9.99) are my new on-the-go fave - the Aloe Vera & Vitamin E ones are perfect to soothe a face that's seen some sun. You just add a couple of drops of water to one of the cotton pads to activate the cleanser, and there's no need to rinse after. Brilliant. 

The Jouer Blush and Bloom Cheek + Lip Duo ($58) stick will have you covered for both blush and lippy, with no need for anything but your fingers to apply and blend. It's got jojoba and rosehip oil as well as shea butter to fight any chapped lips, too. 

I dunno about you guys, but I love the feeling of salty skin straight out of the ocean, so I often delay my post-beach shower. For that reason, I always make sure I have something yummy-smelling to spritz, and I reckon Glasshouse's 14ml sized Sunsets in Capri Eau de Parfum ($34.95) - with notes of white peach and sea breeze - is a perfect beach bag addition. 

The other scent I'm absolutely losing my mind over is Sol de Janeiro's Cheirosa 40. It smells like black amber plum, crème de cassis and warm vanilla woods, and frankly, it's sexy as hell. I reckon getting your mitts on the Sol de Janeiro Travel Set ($62) which includes a 30ml bottle of Cheirosa 40 as well as Cheirosa 62, Cheirosa 68 and Rio Radiance is a very good idea. 

We know that sun and salt can leave your skin hella dry, and we don't want to be giving scaly lizard legs on the beach. Isle of Paradise Brilliantly Bright Body Moisturiser ($51) is super restorative and brightening thanks to the vitamin c, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid in its formula.

Meanwhile, Bondi Sands Hydra After Sun Aloe Vera Cooling Foam ($19.99) is gonna feel like absolute heaven after a hot day. 

Last but not least, don't forget your hands - you need them supple and smooth for hand-holding on romantic walks, clutching cold bevvies and chowing down on fish and chips. Paume's Probiotic Hand Balm ($36) is a gorg way to add a little luxury to your beach day with a blend of five essential oils and heaps of lovely hydration.