As the days get longer and the ocean gets warmer, time spent on golden sands is a daily ritual for us at the office. You may be wondering what essentials the RUSSH editors are turning to this season? Think of our favourite swimwear from go-to brands like Matteau and FAITHFULL – to BAINA’s lush towels and the perfect beachside books. Something to carry it all? We're taking bags from PALOROSA and Dragon Diffusion. And, of course, sunscreen remains the season’s most vital companion.

The RUSSH editors have rounded up everything you need for a sun-soaked season done right. Without further ado, we'll see you out there.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

First and foremost – a good book. Right now I’m trying to track down a copy of the brand-new memoir from Cameron Crowe: The Uncool.

If you ask me, my Palorosa bag is the ultimate beach bag (it’s made of woven plastic so it’s great for all-terrain and wet swimmers). Aesop’s Protective Lip Balm SPF30 is a must. As is Outside Beauty’s SPF 50+ Lip to Cheek.

For swimwear, I’m living in my LIDO swimsuit – the softest and most comfortable suit I’ve ever worn. And I’m very into a throw-on dress – like this Foemina Lindy Dress in White Poplin for ultimate post-swim comfort.

Elyssa Kostopoulos

Content Director & Watch Editor

Having spent a few European summers learning the lore of the beach essential from my cousins in Corinthos, Greece, I think I have finally narrowed the list down. The art – at least as far as I’ve realised – is a really good one of everything. An example, why are you hoarding your beach towels from a decade ago when you could look after one really beautiful piece? Let me continue.

In my beach essentials, you will always find:

1. A foolproof bikini or swimsuit that I will feel comfortable in all day, and can wear well under a cover up if I do happen to find myself taking the journey from beach to bar. One of my favourite swimwear brands of all time is FELLA, and I am already living in the brand’s Tony Top and matching Giuseppe Beaded Bottom this summer.
2. This leads me to cover ups – the RUSSH team have put together a list of our favourite beach cover ups for you to shop, but I currently have the Ritual Sarong from Romy the Brand on my Christmas wishlist. I like that it’s long enough to tie as a dress if necessary, too.
3. SPF is a non-negotiable every day of the week, and in my beach bag, I always keep a bottle of Cetaphil Sun Ultra-Light Lotion SPF 50+ for the body, and La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+ for the face.
4. Keeping on the theme of sun protection, I always take my Lack of Colour straw hat with me to every beach day. It’s no longer in stock, but I found this one from COS which is very similar. Also, I love a big pair of sunglasses for the beach – almost veering into goggle territory. I was very lucky to recently receive a new pair from Luv Lou that I adore, but since they’re not available just yet, they remind me of these Loewe aviators which I also love.
5. I’ll leave you to make your own decision about the best beach towels, but I love the Umber towel from Kobn. It’s lightweight enough to carry but super absorbent and comfortable. It also fits perfectly underneath my trusty beach umbrella from Basil Bangs that I bought for Christmas a few years back.
6. And lastly, a sturdy tote bag that doesn’t compromise and is comfortable enough to carry around all day long. A hobo style is always my preference, like this one from Khaite. Inside you will always find a packet of Detol wipes – you’ll thank me later.

Kirsty Thatcher

Digital Editor

I don’t remember how I used to spend a summer’s weekend before I moved to Sydney, and basically had the beach at my doorstep. First rule of thumb for a beach day, you need a great bag. This Mimmi Terra basket is water-resistant, durable, and very chic. I’m also a big fan of the brand MUUN – in particular this leather-trimmed straw tote (which is currently on sale).

Inside my bag, I’ll always have my Kindle and Airpods, ready for some R&R. Sun protection is obviously a necessity – I love the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen for my face, as well as the Hand and Body version (which smells amazing). This hat by Arms of Eve is great, as are basically all of Faithfull’s button up shirts - I love to throw them on over a bikini. Speaking of which, this one by SIR is currently sitting in my shopping cart.

Lastly, sustenance is a must for a beach day. Corn chips and a Coke Zero are my go-tos.

Sophia Serafin

Implementation Manager

I’m at the beach every moment I can - Bronte, McKenzie’s Bay, Clovelly, Neilson Park - and I’m usually running out the door with a muddled-collection of the below fail-safes:

To wear: A Cleonie lilac one-piece, and a shirt like this over the top. Easy-wearing sunglasses and a cap allow me to people-watch in peace. On the feet, Haviana’s or Suicoke’s are my go-to’s.

For the skin: La Prairie Caviar Mist to keep cool and this SPF50+ for protection.

In my dream beach bag: a drink bottle with ice-cold water, a comfy towel in-case I’m sitting on concrete or rocks, and my kindle for reading. 

To eat: If close by, I'll stop at Iggy’s for a croissant, or pick up a well-earned burger from Out of The Blue after a tiresome day by the beach. 

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director

I have a well curated selection of beach essentials. I live by the ocean so I’m at the beach a lot, and I feel like I have my beach bag down to a fine art. I do have a fair few bikinis but I usually gravitate towards a black one piece as it’s so easy to layer. I love the Bond-Eye Mara suit but I’ve also been looking at this Gooseberry one.

Then, a pair of denim cut offs is essential. I love the Agolde ones, the Rollas ones are excellent too. Choose a basket bag you’re happy to get sandy. I bought mine from my local Harris Farm but this Revolve one is almost the exact same (I have a sneaking suspicion it is in fact the exact same). It’s sturdy and chic.

My Kindle Colorsoft is rarely outside of arms reach these days – I’m currently reading Brimstone. It’s waterproof so I love taking it to the beach. I always have the largest size of the Ultra Violette body sunscreen in my beach bag.

Finally, a few pieces to help cover up when the sun is too much. I love the Baina beach towels, they’re so soft. A hat is essential, I’m eyeing this Casa Del Sol one at the moment. Then, I’m kind of obsessed with the Pete Pareo oversized tees – they really are the perfect post swim cover up.

Magdalene Shapter

Designer & Producer

I’m a covert beach girl. I may be sheet-pale and only wear black, but equally, I like the feeling of sand between my toes and my hair always looks better after a saltwater rinse. In Sydney, a beach trip is ever imminent, so my bag (either my Palorosa tote or Pan After Plaid bag) is permanently packed and ready.

Sunscreen is my non-negotiable. Lately I’ve been alternating between Fuca and Mother SPF for body, and Emma Lewisham Sunceutical SPF 50 for my face.

My current beach reading rotation includes Mark Ronson’s memoir Night People, a book of poems by Alice Oswald titled Dart and the latest RUSSH issue, obviously.

My Gentle Monster Kiko’s are a constant, but I’ve recently introduced the DMY Valentina sunglasses into my eyewear mix too. If the wind picks up, I throw on my Flore Flore Iman Longsleeve top, which looks so great styled back with pieces from Santangelo.

My ultimate beach essential is the Acca Kappa hairbrush. After a detangle, I keep my locks tamed and tidy with the Mosquito Tapia hair comb.

Jaime Carmody

Digital Marketing Specialist 

My beach essentials are pretty curated this Summer, everything in it has earned its rightful place. I’m a big fan of triangle bikinis and this Matteau set fits the brief perfectly. Kye Intimates is my favourite beach wear. I honestly live in these pants and tanks, both a perfect mix of comfort and chic.

My worn in Dragon Diffusion bag is the perfect size for hauling all the little things I convince myself are essential. Inside, you’ll find Aesop facial spray and hand cream, plus a bottle of San Pellegrino (IFKYK). My Gentle Monster sunglasses live inside the pocket alongside my Mecca sunscreen and Summer Fridays lip balm.

Other essentials, My Saloon Store hairbrush, a comfy pair of thongs, Baina pool towel, Airpods and naturally a good book. Lately I’ve really been enjoying poetry at the beach. At the moment I’m reading Female Embodiment by Aliza Grace.

Aleks Beare

Brand Art Director

I swim pool laps regularly, but my favourite way of swimming is in the sea, wholly underwater. The complete immersion and sensory experience of being in the moment is relaxing and revitalising at the same time. This Gentle Habits snorkel and mask could take me to mermaid status.

While I’m not a fan of sand per se, I love the beach, and the sound of the waves is probably my favourite sound. Being able to minimise sand getting into everything is a win for me and this beach chair elevates the beach game too, as does this Zimmermann fringed beach bag.

My go to swimwear label is Matteau, and I’m loving the new bamboo pattern on this Matteau bikini top and briefs, and this dress is perfect for covering up if the sun gets too much or you need to duck into the shops on the way home via Charcoal Charlies.

And my absolute beach essentials are sunglasses, like these Loewe shades, and a good sunscreen. Happy days. 

Image: one,