The sun is shining, the sky is blue, summer holidays are on the horizon, so here are my essential beach bag beauty buys to keep you looking and feeling cool all summer long...

1 Sun cream – Everyone should be using sun protection in the summer time, whether travelling abroad, or staying in the UK.  My favorite is Hawaiin Tropic Sun Lotion SPF 30 (£12.76 Boots) I LOVE the fragrance – the coconut scent makes you feel all tropical, even if you are only in the back garden at home!

2 Aftersun – I love Hawaiin Tropic After Sun Coconut Body Butter (£6.29 Boots) It contains vitamins A, B and E to help keep skin mosturised and healthy.

3  Vaseline Lip Therapy  – This little tin of Vaseline is one of the best, and most versatile summer beauty products around.  Amazing at keeping lips in tip top condition and mosturised, but also excellent for general dry skin on knees and elbows, and for keeping unruly eyebrows in place.

4  Water – Keeping hydrated in the summer is so important to maintain a healthy skin and complexion.  My favorite at the moment is Isklar Norwegian Mineral Water.  The water is filtered through ice and rock, which gives it low mineral content, and a very refreshing taste.

5  Summer Fragrances – To keep smelling fresh and sweet this summer, my favorite floral fragrance is Gucci Flora (£35.00 Boots).  It is a very feminine fragrance containing citrus, peony and sandalwood.    

6  Bronzer – My essential item for the summer months, I always love the summer time, so I can get out my Bronzing Powder (£13.00 The Body Shop) I have used this product for years, and always go back to it without fail.

7  Lip Gloss – In the summer, I much prefer a lip gloss, rather than a heavy lipstick, the Endless Shine Lip Gloss collection from Boots (£3.59), offers super shiny lip gloss, with a hint of colour.

8  Nail Varnish – I love nail varnish, and in the summer when your feet are on display more, toes look really summery when painted in a nice soft caramel shade, such as Nails Inc. Cadogan Square (£11.00)

9  Mosturiser – Our skin really suffers in the summer, and can become quite dry, so a really good mosturiser is really important.  My current favorite is Elemis Maximum Moisture Day Cream (£35.80), which is designed to protect against environmental pollutions.

And finally, my last summer essential is a good book or magazine, for true relaxation in the summer sun.