Summer is in full swing, and the 4th of July is almost here!

Whether you're spending the holiday at the beach, by the pool, on the lake, or simply enjoying time with family and friends, here are a few of my favorite summer essentials that I'm packing for our beach vacation.

I hope you discover a few new favorites here, too!

1. Westman Atilier Sun Tone Bronzing Drops

My favorite clean liquid bronzing drops for an effortless, sun-kissed glow. Available in four shades, they blend seamlessly into the skin without looking orange or streaky. The formula is lightweight, hydrating, and dries down to a natural matte finish with no shimmer. I wear Soleil Parfait 2 for a medium tan.

2. Colorscience Total Protection Bodyshield Glow SPF 50

My current favorite mineral body sunscreen. It’s made with 100% mineral UV filters, using zinc oxide as the active ingredient for broad-spectrum sun protection. The Glow version contains mineral pearl pigments that leave the prettiest luminous, healthy-looking finish without feeling greasy.

I’m obsessed with this one—just as much as their face sunscreen I shared in a previous Well List.

3. Attitude Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, Unscented

The kids' face stick we love also comes in a larger size for easy full-body application. It's lightweight, non-sticky, and much easier to apply than many other mineral sunscreen sticks. EWG Verified and made with 100% mineral sunscreen filters, it's one my kids never mind reapplying at the pool or beach.

4. R + Co Dart Pomade Stick

My go-to for a sleek, polished bun on humid summer days or evenings. This flexible styling wax, made with castor seed oil, candelilla wax, and jojoba esters, smooths flyaways and adds definition without buildup or stiffness. A little goes a long way. I brush my damp hair tightly into place, then apply the pomade stick along my hairline and over any flyaways. I finish with a soft-bristle brush to create a smooth, polished finish that stays put.

5. Crown Affair The Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

For effortless hair without heat styling. This lightweight mousse enhances your natural texture, reduces frizz, and adds soft volume without leaving your hair crunchy or stiff. It's an easy way to embrace your natural, air-dried hair while still keeping it under control.

6. Rahua Enchanted Island Sea Salt Spray

I love pairing this sea salt spray with the Crown Affair mousse for effortless, air-dried beach waves. Mist it through damp hair from roots to ends, tousle, and let it dry naturally. It creates soft, beachy texture with lightweight, brushable hold—giving you that just-stepped-off-the-beach summer hair look.

7. Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

My go-to face masks to travel with whenever my skin looks tired or dehydrated. They combine oligo-hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, probiotics, and collagen to deeply hydrate, support the skin barrier, and temporarily plump the skin. The refreshed glow comes primarily from the hydrating and barrier-supportive ingredients rather than the collagen itself.

8. Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes

I always keep digestive enzymes with me—especially when I travel. If you experience occasional indigestion or have certain food sensitivities like me, they may be worth trying. This formula contains hydrochloric acid (HCl), pepsin, pancreatin, and ox bile to help support the digestion of proteins, fats, and other nutrients.

I find this blend especially helpful for reducing occasional bloating and gas after heavier meals, like those with red meat or fried foods, or after an occasional overindulgence. While they're not something everyone needs to take regularly, they've become one of my travel essentials.

9. Kroma Calming + Restore Magnesium

My current favorite supplement to wind down with. This came in my Kroma 5-Day Reset, and I love it so much I ordered the full-size. It's a delicious magnesium drink designed to support relaxation, stress management, restful sleep, and recovery.

Made with a blend of highly absorbable magnesium, calming L-theanine, and prebiotic fiber, it has become one of my favorite evening rituals. I love that it helps me relax before bed, and the magnesium citrate and prebiotic fiber also support digestion and regularity. A necessity when I’m traveling.

10. Rummikub

I still haven't learned Mahjong, but Rummikub has been a favorite vacation game to play with our friends. This is a 6-player edition instead of 4 to accommodate a bigger crew. It's easy to learn, strategic enough to keep everyone engaged. Our kids are too young, but older kids would enjoy playing this with you too. Or check out this chic acrylic set of Rummikub, for your home.

11. Pressman Charades for Kids

One of our favorite family games in the kids' version. Children who can't read yet can easily participate using the picture clues. It's simple to learn, encourages creativity and imagination, and gets everyone laughing. Once they master this version, they'll be ready to join in on classic family charades with the adults.

12. Watermelon Lime Margarita or Mocktail

One of our favorite summer drinks to make at the beach. Made with hydrating watermelon, fresh lime juice, and mint —it's light, refreshing and delicious. Make it a margarita with your favorite additive-free tequila or skip the alcohol and top with sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail.

If you make it, I'd love to see! Tag me in your photos so I can follow along and see you enjoying it.

Xo, Jess

Summer Well Essentials II