9 Beach Essentials from B.C. Brands

B.C. brands have you covered this summer—literally. From sunscreens to swimwear, and lots in between, local makers have created products that allow you to enjoy your time on the sandy shores or right in the surf. Be in the sun safely and in style with these nine beach essentials.

1. Sunscreen from Just Sun

Kelowna-based brand Just Sun was launched in 2020 by Tanya Gervais who sadly lost her father to skin cancer. Deciding to be proactive when it came to her frustration with the sun protection products available, Gervais sought to create a “healthier option for me and my family when I didn’t like the other options on the market.” Now a complete line of sunscreens and sun care products make up this B.C. brand.

2. Sunglasses from KITS

Sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes from the glaring, damaging UV rays any time of year—and most definitely while on the beach with reflective sand or out on the water. B.C.’s super affordable eyewear brand KITS has just launched a chic new sunnies line up which includes styles named Sparrow, Fawn, Lynx, Arbour and Archer. P.S., don’t forget to order yours with your eyeglasses prescription too, even progressives.

3. Sand-Removing Powder from Friday Harbour

You think you’ve brushed all the sand off your feet and body after a lovely day at the beach, only to find later that you’ve brought it into your car, house and pretty much everywhere. Here’s a clever idea—the Friday Harbour Lifestyle Co. Sand Removing Powder  is a talc-free powder that removes wet sand from your skin in a snap. Sprinkle it on (don’t be stingy) and brush off to remove. It’s also ok to use the sand remover on the beach because this B.C. miracle product is made using natural and biodegradable ingredients.

4. Swimsuits from Left On Friday

Former Lululemon execs Laura Low Ah Kee and Shannon Savage started up swimwear brand Left On Friday and currently have a fan base that includes Jessica Alba, Ciara and Molly Sims. Plus, they designed Team Canada’s volleyball uniforms for the Paris Olympics. With features like Insanely Comfortable Fit™ and Smoothing Dream Fabric™, they pride themselves in creating silhouettes geared to sport with style. Check out the candy box of colours available on their website too. How does one choose?  

5. Sun Apparel from OCIN

OCIN is a Vancouver-based, eco-swim and lifestyle brand geared to the whole family. The label’s sun shorts and sun shirts offer maximum coverage from the sun’s burning rays for little kids. Made with a 100 percent regenerated and infinitely recyclable nylon, this fabric offers UPF 50+ protection from the sun blocking 98 percent of UV rays. 

6. Eye Masks from Grace & Stella

After a day at the beach and a refreshing shower, a little skin soothing is in order. Calming, cooling and hydrating, Grace & Stella’s Moisturizing Pink Eye Masks contain hyaluronic acid and plump up the undereye area nicely. Husband and wife duo Adi and Kailee head up this B.C. beauty brand, making vegan and cruelty-free products for all.

7. Towels from Droplet Home Goods

Droplet Home Goods’ Turkish Towels make the perfect beach blanket because they are lightweight, dry in a jiffy and are super soft and absorbent. Made from 100 percent organic cotton, this B.C. brand started by Aleeza Khan Bradner in 2019 has its towels ethically made in Turkey.

8. Comb from Good Juju

You just came in from a swim, and the waves knocked you around a bit—so worth it, but your hair could use a quick fix up. Good Juju’s Mini Wide Tooth Comb is from a B.C. brand that crafts this hair tool in France from premium cellulose acetate, a sustainable material made from cotton and wood pulp. This material, compared to plastic, is incredibly smooth, so it literally glides through the most tangled sun or surf-swept hair. It’s also gentle enough for fine hair and kids.

9. Athletic Swimwear from Surface Athletic

Performance-first Vancouver brand Surface Athletic blends function with aesthetic and is inspired by athletic people with serious style. Just launched this summer, a new collection of five silhouettes in four colour-ways are available. In premium fabrics and all tested by athletes, the swimwear has details like seamless construction for reduced drag and comfort. Going kiteboarding or paddleboarding? This brand is made for you.