Beach-blanket beauty

The key to looking fabulous at the beach--or on a weekend getaway--is knowing which essentials to stash in your bag, for:

FACE Pond's Exfoliating Cleansing Towelettes with Gentle Microbeads and Cucumber Extract ($7; at drugstores) remove sunscreen, makeup, sweat and grime thanks to exfoliators built right into these pre-moistened wipes. Extracts of cucumber and aloe vera soothe and refresh the skin.

BODY Neutrogena Active Breathable Sunblock SPF 30 ($10; at drugstores) is the ultimate sunscreen: It won't run into eyes (thanks to a new StayPut waterproof formula), it's not greasy, it's hypoallergenic and it won't clog pores.

HAIR Rene Furterer Waterproof Nourishing Ultraprotective Oil Spray ($18; sephora.com) is a leave-in product that provides high protection from the sun's rays (which can weaken strands and alter color) as well as from drying ocean and pool water.

TEETH Oral-B Brush Ups ($2.49 for 12; at drugstores) are textured dental wipes that clean your teeth while freshening your breath. Just slide one onto your finger and swipe over your teeth.

LIPS Victoria's Secret Lil'Lipsticks Mini Lip Color Sticks ($5.50 for eight) come in cotton-swablike applicators that last through 10 applications. Apply over Balmy Days Conditioning Balm with SPF 15 ($2.75; both at victoriassecret.com) for sun protection.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group