10 essential items to beat the heat at the pool or beach

4. A BODY-FRIENDLY BEACH CHAIR Wooden slatted chairs and sling styles may look stylish, but what about our very grownup bones and muscles? We crave comfort and places for our “stuff” while

we enjoy the fresh air. A chair with multiple position options won’t leave you stiff and sore, and lets you read, people-watch or snooze, plus the addition of backpack carrying straps, 

lighter weight design and “extras” is more like it. Try the GCI OUTDOOR SUNSHADE RECLINER CHAIR ($75, rei.com) with retractable UPF 50 visor; the 4OCEAN SIGNATURE BACKPACK BEACH CHAIR WITH

COOLER ($89, 4ocean.com) with drink and cellphone pocket on the arm and ergonomic pillow; or the TOMMY BAHAMA MULTI STRIPE DELUXE BACKPACK BEACH CHAIR ($90, tommybahama.com), also with

cooler pouch and pillow. (Left to right) Neutrogena Healthy Skin Radiant Makeup Setting Spray with Peptides; L'Oréal Paris Air Volume Mega Mascara in Waterproof Black; Laura Geller

Kajal Longwear Eyeliner in Dark Brown Kohl; Milani Color Fetish Matte — The Nudes Collection in Secret Target; Walgreens; Laura Geller; Walgreens 5. MELT-PROOF MAKEUP We know better than to

wear makeup to the beach, but what if the thermometer says 92, the humidity is 90 percent, and you have a party or job interview? Social media advisers suggest going a totally oil-free,

matte, liquid-liner route. That works at age 20, 30, even for some at 40 — but by 50 our dry, textured skin needs a different meltdown plan. Keep the dewy and fresh part but ditch the

grease. Stick with your favorite face makeup — serum, liquid or CC cream — but add a final step of radiance-boosting setting spray like the NEUTROGENA HEALTHY SKIN RADIANT MAKEUP SETTING

SPRAY WITH PEPTIDES ($14, target.com). Skip the smokey shadows and choose a waterproof mascara like L'ORÉAL PARIS AIR VOLUME MEGA MASCARA IN WATERPROOF BLACK ($15, walgreens.com) and a

chubby, velvety pencil like the LAURA GELLER KAJAL LONGWEAR EYELINER IN DARK BROWN KOHL ($22, laurageller.com) for no-smear definition. And last, opt for a creamy, hydrating lipstick (and

here’s where you can go matte) like the MILANI COLOR FETISH MATTE — THE NUDES COLLECTION IN SECRET OR TEASE ($8, target.com) for a smudge-free grin. (Clockwise from top left) POPCHOSE

Waterproof, Sandproof Beach Blanket in Orange; HIHOHO Sandproof Waterproof Beach Blanket in Pink Flower; WellaX Beach Blanket Waterproof and Sandproof Amazon (3) 6. A SAND-PROOF BEACH

BLANKET We’re not usually alone at the shore. Some of us bring a spouse, significant other or friend, while others make it a family affair with kids and grandkids. Having some sort of

blanket helps define your space and keep everyone’s belongings together. We used to lug an old blanket, but now that fluffy comforters and their washable covers have replaced those it’s time

for a new solution. Lightweight nylon “blankets” like the WELLAX BEACH BLANKET WATERPROOF AND SANDPROOF ($35, amazon.com), HIHOHO SANDPROOF WATERPROOF BEACH BLANKET IN PINK FLOWER ($20, 

amazon.com) or POPCHOSE WATERPROOF, SANDPROOF BEACH BLANKET IN ORANGE ($22, amazon.com) fold up to almost nothing. They’re useful for picnics and camping trips, and can double as drop cloths

over furniture for messy home chores when the summer is over.  (Clockwise from top left) Clarks Women’s Cloudsteppers Arla Kaylie Sandals in Black Textile Sparkles; FitFlop Surfa in Black;

Bzees Cabana in Black Stretch Fabric Macy's; Zappos (2) 7. FOOT-SAFE FLIP-FLOPS We’ve worn basic rubber flip-flops since high school, and many of us still wear them at pedicure-time to

let our polish dry intact. But the truth is they’re flimsy and not great for older, bonier feet, plantar fasciitis and tendonitis. A new category of chic, contoured flip-flops — such as the 

BZEES CABANA IN BLACK STRETCH FABRIC ($70, zappos.com), CLARKS WOMEN’S CLOUDSTEPPERS ARLA KAYLIE SANDALS IN BLACK TEXTILE SPARKLES ($65, macys.com) or FITFLOP SURFA IN BLACK ($60,

zappos.com) — can provide the arch support, cushioned soles, substantial footbeds and hint of style we need. The broader straps also offer top-of-foot comfort. Match the arch to your arch by

trying them on. You’ll know it’s a good fit immediately if there’s no gap. Why black? It simply looks sophisticated, works with every swimsuit and polish color from classic red to trendy

yellow.