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Article: Men’s Holiday Jewelry: What to Wear, What Lasts and How to Style It

If you've booked your holiday, bought a few new outfits, and you're now wondering what jewelry to wear with them, you're in the right place.
This guide will walk you through the best men’s jewelry to wear on holiday, how to style it with different outfits, and how to keep your pieces looking sharp for the full trip.
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A lot of jewelry looks good online, but is not really built for a week in the sun.
Once you add heat, sweat, sunscreen, chlorine, salt water and sand, lower-quality plated pieces can start to fade, tarnish or irritate your skin. That is usually when you realise the piece was made to look good for the photo, not to handle the whole trip.
The good news is every piece of summer jewelry featured in this guide is made for everyday wear. So if something catches your eye, you can be confident it's water, heat and sweat-proof, built to handle the pool, the beach, hot days and evenings out without you having to overthink it.
When most guys think about men's summer jewelry, they usually picture the obvious pieces first: beaded bracelets, lightweight chains, simple pendants and minimal everyday bracelets. And to be fair, those pieces are popular for a reason. They're easy to wear, they work with almost every summer outfit, and they bring that relaxed holiday feel without trying too hard.
But beach and holiday jewelry doesn't stop there.
Featured: Men's Emerald Gemstone Necklace (Silver)
The right jewelry can take a holiday outfit a long way. It can move with you from the pool to dinner, from a linen shirt to a night out, or from a simple swim shorts fit to something that feels much more put together. Think gemstones, beaded styles and minimal pieces that add detail when you want it, but still feel easy enough to wear in the heat.
Below, we've broken it down into three simple summer jewelry styles. Whether you keep things minimal, lean into beach-ready pieces, or want something with more color and meaning for the evening, you'll find the right place to start.
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The best holiday jewelry is simple, durable and easy to wear with more than one outfit. Think of these as the no-room-for-error pieces. Minimal chains, clean bracelets, simple rings and easy pendants that work with almost anything you pack, whether you're away for a beach holiday, city break, weekend trip or winter sun.
Featured: 5mm Cuff Bracelet and Band Ring (Silver)
Minimal jewelry styles are not tied to one particular outfit, trend or type of holiday. They're the pieces any man can throw on without overthinking it, knowing they'll work with a white vest, linen shirt, swim shorts, evening outfit or whatever else ends up in the suitcase. You don't need to pack your whole collection. Just a couple well-chosen pieces will do more than enough.
The key is choosing peices that can handle the conditions. Heat, sweat, sea air, sharp rocks, sunscreen, scorching sun and constant outfit changes all matter. Holiday pieces need to feel relaxed, but they also need to be built well enough that you're not taking them off every five minutes.
Featured: Minimal Signet Ring (18K Gold)
If you're torn between options and only want to pack one essential piece, make it a lightweight chain. It works with everything from swim shorts and open shirts to linen, plain tees, vests and evening outfits. It also gives you a simple base that you can wear on its own or pair with a pendant in the future. Take these two examples below:
Featured: Men's lightweight summer chains
For summer, the best chains are usually the ones that feel easy, not heavy. A Rope chain gives you texture, a Cuban chain feels a little bolder, and a Wheat chain adds a more refined finish. If you prefer something minimal, a Box chain or finer chain is an easy place to start.
Gold chains bring warmth to holiday outfits, especially with white, cream, beige and linen. Silver chains feel cleaner and more understated, making them easy to wear with black, navy, grey and cooler tones. Both work well on holiday. The best choice just depends on what you wear most.
Beaded jewelry works so well on holiday because it already has that natural summer feel. It sits easily with swim shorts, linen, open shirts and relaxed evening outfits.
You can wear metal jewelry anywhere, but when you're away, beads, pearls and natural stones feel especially right for the setting. They bring a more relaxed, sun-ready feel without looking like you've tried too hard. That's why beaded bracelets are such a strong choice for men's beach jewelry. They feel easy and laid-back, but still considered enough to finish the outfit properly.
Featured: Ocean Beaded Bracelet
Onyx beads give the look a bit more weight. Pearls feel lighter and more seasonal. Colored stones bring in that holiday-ready feel without making the outfit look too loud. They sit somewhere between casual and styled. They don't feel as formal as a cuff or metal bracelet, but they still look intentional.
For beach days, you can have a bit more fun with it. Stack a few beaded bracelets together, mix in different stones or colors, and let the look feel more relaxed. For evenings, keep it a little cleaner. One beaded bracelet with a simple chain or pendant is usually enough to add depth without making the outfit feel too busy.
Featured: Tigers Eye and Howlite Bead Bracelet
Beach and holiday jewelry doesn't always have to mean beads and basic chains.
For evenings, holidays are a good time to wear pieces with a bit more personality. A pendant, gemstone necklace or iced-out piece can make a simple outfit feel much more complete, especially if you are wearing plain colors or relaxed resort wear.
Featured: Men's Jesus and Mary Pendant (Gold)
A Jesus and Mary pendant is a natural fit for travel because of its connection to protection and safe journeys. A North Star or Compass pendant works well if you want something with a sense of direction and movement.
Gemstone jewelry brings color into a summer outfit, which works especially well when the rest of the look is kept simple.
A natural stone pendant, bracelet or ring can add just enough detail without making the outfit feel too loud. That's the appeal. gemstones feel timeless, but they still bring personality. They can sit naturally on the beach during the day, then carry through to dinner without looking out of place.
Featured: Men's gemstone necklace
If a necklace feels like too much, gemstone bracelets and rings are also a strong holiday piece. They feel easy, recognisable and slightly more playful than a plain metal bracelet, which makes them a good fit around the pool or with more relaxed summer outfits. But they still have enough detail to carry into the evening, whether you're wearing them with a simple a vest or more formal shirt.
Featured: Men's gemstone pendants, bracelets and rings
Knowing what jewelry to wear on holiday is one thing. Knowing how to wear it is another.
So in this section, we'll show plenty of visual examples to help you see exactly how different pieces work with different outfits. From poolside looks and beach days to linen shirts, evening outfits and simple everyday fits, you'll be able to see what goes with what before you decide what to pack.
By the end, you'll know exactly how to wear your holiday jewelry, what to wear it with, how to style it and which pieces make the most sense for you.
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Gold works well in summer because it brings warmth. It pairs naturally with white, cream, beige, black, olive and brown, especially when worn against linen or open-neck shirts. If you're leaning towards gold, odds are you have more confidence when it comes to styling and you're ready for something with a little more presence. Here are three looks that do just that.
Featured: Enamel Saint Christopher (18K Gold)
This is a confident all-navy look, but it still feels relaxed. The oversized shirt and loose trousers give it that easy holiday feel, while the two-tone loafers sharpen it up enough for a morning walk, a long lunch or somewhere a bit smarter later in the day.
Because the outfit is already strong, the jewelry doesn't need to do too much. Two enamel pendants sit naturally against the open shirt: the 18K gold Mary pendant and the 18K gold Saint Christopher. The blue enamel picks up the tone of the shirt without matching it too directly, which is what makes the whole look feel thought-through rather than forced.
Featured: Vintage Stone Signet Ring (Gold)
This is a more casual gold look, built around simple summer pieces. The mesh vest, striped shorts and light tones keep the outfit stripped back, which gives the jewelry more room to stand out.
That's where the thicker gold bracelets and vintage stone signet work well. The outfit itself is relaxed, so the accessories can carry a bit more weight without making the look feel overdone. The signet adds the main point of detail, while the bracelets bring the gold through at the wrist. Easy, confident, and still wearable in the heat.
Featured: Enamel Virgin Mary Pendant (Gold)
Then there's the silk shirt option. When the shirt is already doing a lot, with bold color, print and texture, the jewelry doesn't need to fight for attention.
Here, the gold pieces sit underneath the open collar and let the shirt lead. A simple chain adds shape at the neckline, while the pendant gives the look a point of focus without making it feel too heavy. The rings bring the gold through the hands, but everything stays controlled.
That's the key with a statement shirt. Choose one or two gold pieces that feel like you, then keep the rest simple. The shirt does the work, the jewelry finishes it.
Silver is cleaner and more understated. It works well with white, navy, grey, black, denim and cooler-toned summer outfits. If silver is what you're looking for, odds are you prefer the more timeless and stripped-back look. So here are a few examples to get you started.
Featured: Round Signet Ring (Silver)
This is a simple silver look that works because the outfit stays clean. Navy high-waist trousers, a plain white tee and minimal silver jewelry. The matching baseball cap ovee the shoulder keeps it relaxed, while the jewelry makes the whole thing feel more put together.
The two slim silver bracelets add detail at the wrist, while the signet ring, Rope chain and enamel Mary pendant carry the same tone through the rest of the outfit. It's easy enough for the day, but still sharp enough for drinks later without needing to change.
Featured: 4mm Cuban Bracelet (Silver)
This is a good example of keeping silver simple when the outfit already has texture. The knitted short-sleeve shirt and matching shorts give the look plenty of detail on their own, so the jewelry doesn't need to do too much.
A classic 4mm silver Cuban chain, a single pendant and a slim bracelet are enough to finish it. The silver cuts cleanly against the cream tones, but because the pieces are kept minimal, the whole look still feels relaxed and easy for a hot day out.
Featured: Men's silver chains
This is the easiest kind of silver look to start with. All black keeps the outfit simple, which gives the jewelry room to do more without the whole thing feeling overdone.
Here, the chunkier silver chains and Jesus pendant bring weight to the top half, while the bracelets and rings carry the same metal through the hands. The black cap keeps it casual, and the yellow trainers add just enough color to stop the outfit feeling too flat. Simple base, stronger jewelry, one hit of color. Easy to wear, but still put together.
Linen already has texture, which makes it one of the easiest fabrics to wear with jewelry. A gold chain, pendant or bracelet can sit naturally against an open collar without making the outfit feel too dressed up.
During the day, minimal jewelry is usually the easiest win, especially with linen shirts, swim shorts or lighter summer layers. But as you move into the evening, linen gives you room to wear pieces with a bit more color or detail, like gemstones, pearls or stacked bracelets.
So, if linen is your thing, here are a few looks to try this summer.
Featured: Filigree Pearls and Crystal Gemstone Necklace
Here, the outfit is kept light and neutral, which gives the jewelry room to stand out. The striped cropped shirt, cream linen trousers and sand-colored moccasins all sit in the same soft summer palette.
That makes the silver pieces feel sharper without competing with the outfit. The filigree pearl necklace and gemstone necklace add detail at the collar, while the enamel swallow signet brings the same silver tone through the hand. It's still relaxed, but the jewelry makes the whole look feel more finished.
Featured: Crystal Gemstone Necklace (Silver)
This is another way to style the same kind of linen trousers, but with a more stripped-back top half. The cream trousers, open shirt and white ribbed vest keep everything soft and neutral, which gives the jewelry more room to stand out.
Because the outfit is tone on tone, you can bring in more color through the jewelry without it feeling too loud. Here, the double gemstone necklaces become the focus, while the rings carry that same detail through the hands. The open shirt keeps the look relaxed and balanced, so the jewelry feels intentional rather than too dressed up.
Featured: Filigree Pearl Bracelet (18K Gold)
A tip for styling a bracelet with a shirt like this: keep it relaxed with both sleeve buttons undone. Roll one sleeve to show your bracelet stack, and let the other flare to maintain that easy, effortless look. To double down on this even more, tuck just one side of the shirt into your pants and leave the other hanging. It sounds like a small thing, but that asymmetry is what makes the look feel natural rather than posed.
Poolside jewelry should be easy. Think waterproof chains, bracelets and pendants that can handle heat, sunscreen and water, but still look clean when you throw a shirt over the top. Ready for pool parties, relaxing days by the pool, and straight out for an early evening meal after. Here's a couple of easy gold and silver looks.
Featured: 2mm Cuban Bracelet (18K Gold)
This gold look is built for a full day in the sun. The pink lightweight shirt and white linen trousers feel relaxed enough for the pool, but still put together enough for lunch or early evening drinks.
The jewelry follows the same idea. The gold bracelet, chain, crucifix pendant and band rings bring warmth against the softer colors, without making the outfit feel too dressed up. The brown woven mules help pull it together too, picking up the gold tones through the hardware and keeping the whole look easy, considered and summer-ready.
Featured: Adjustable Curb Bracelet (Silver)
This silver look works for late afternoon by the pool, when you're heading straight into drinks or dinner after.
The black linen trousers and open silk shirt keep the outfit stripped back, so the silver jewelry feels clean and deliberate. A slim silver bracelet, cuff and band ring are enough to add detail without competing with each other. The open shirt gives the necklace room to sit naturally too, so the whole look feels relaxed, but still pulled together.
Want to see more ways to wear bracelets? Here's how to style men's bracelets.
City breaks usually call for smarter-casual outfits. You might be walking through the old town in the morning, stopping for coffee, jumping on a moped, then heading straight out for dinner later.
That means the jewelry needs to work as hard as the outfit. It should feel easy enough for the day, but still sharp enough when the setting changes.
Featured: Rope Bracelet (Gold)
This look leans smarter, but still feels easy enough for a day moving around the city. The striped shirt, white vest and tailored trousers give it that clean holiday feel, while the black loafers sharpen it up.
Because the outfit already feels put together, the jewelry plays more of a supporting role. A meaningful gold pendant sits naturally against the vest, while the rope bracelet, minimal gold Cuban and onyx signet carry the same tone through the wrist and hands. It feels deliberate, but not overdone, which is exactly what you want from a city break look.
Featured: Enamel Saint Christopher (Silver)
This is the kind of smart-casual look that works well on a summer city break. The open olive shirt, dark trousers and clean silver jewelry feel relaxed enough for moving around during the day, but still sharp enough if you end up somewhere smarter later on.
The silver Saint Christopher pendant makes sense here too. It has that travel connection, but it doesn't feel obvious or overdone. Paired with a couple of slim silver bracelets and a silver pinky ring, the whole look feels clean, considered and easy to wear wherever the day takes you.
The best summer evenings usually start with a balcony beer.
For evening jewelry, you can go one of two ways. Keep it simple with a pendant, ring and bracelet, or lean into something with a little more presence. Both work, as long as the outfit gives the jewelry room to sit naturally.
Below are two ways to do it, styled with timeless all-black and black-and-white looks.
Featured: Compass Gift Set (Silver)
Pre-styled sets make evening jewelry easy. The Compass set already gives you the main pieces: chain, pendant and bracelet, all designed to work together without you having to overthink it.
With an all-black outfit like this, the silver has room to stand out. The pendant sits cleanly against the open shirt, the bracelet adds detail at the wrist, and the Royal signet finishes the look without making it feel too much.
Featured: OG Gemstone Bracelet (Gold)
This is more of a statement evening look, but it still feels balanced. The black ribbed vest and cream trousers create a clean contrast, which gives the jewelry room to stand out without the outfit feeling too busy.
The pearl necklace and 18K gold clovers naturally draw the eye to the chest, while the gemstone bracelet adds a bit of color at the wrist. A couple of gold rings finish it off without taking too much away from the main pieces. It's a stronger look, but the clean lines and simple color palette keep it feeling composed.
Date night jewelry should feel easy. Whether you wear gold or silver, this is the time to choose the pieces you feel most comfortable and confident in, not the ones you're checking every five minutes.
Keep it relaxed, keep it personal, and wear the jewelry that feels like you. That usually lands better than trying too hard. It's the small details that make the difference. A ring catches the light when you reach for a drink. A chain sits at the collarbone when your shirt falls open. A bracelet shows at the wrist without needing to shout.
Featured: Saint Benedict Band Ring (Gold)
You want enough to show you've made an effort, not so much that the jewelry becomes the whole conversation. A single meaningful pendant can say a lot on its own. So can a ring, bracelet and chain that all work together. The only wrong move is wearing so much that it looks like you couldn't decide.
And if there's ever a time to wear something with meaning behind it, a Saint Christopher, a North Star, or a piece that stands for something personal, it's date night. Wear the thing that feels most like you, and the rest usually takes care of itself.
Now that you know what to wear and how to style it, there's one question that comes up for almost everyone browsing holiday jewelry: can you actually wear it in the sea, the pool and the heat without ruining it?
If you already own a few pieces that aren't from CRAFTD, or you're wondering what materials actually hold up on holiday, this section will answer those durability questions.
Featured Products: Matching 6mm Cuban Set (Silver)
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For men's holiday jewelry, stainless steel is hard to beat.
It has that solid, premium feel you want from a proper piece of jewelry, but without being so delicate that you have to take it off every time you go near the pool, the beach or a bit of heat.
Featured: Men's stainless steel chains and bracelets
That is what makes stainless steel chains, bracelets and rings such a good choice for a trip away. You can wear them through the airport, by the pool, on the beach, then straight out for dinner without giving them much thought.
Yes, you can wear good-quality gold jewelry on holiday, but the finish makes all the difference.
Cheap gold-plated jewelry often isn't made to handle sea water, sweat, sunscreen and heat. A lot of lower-cost gold-tone pieces are only lightly plated, which means they can fade, tarnish or lose their color quickly once you start wearing them every day in the sun.
Featured: Cuff Bracelet and Band Ring 5mm (Gold)
CRAFTD's 18K gold pieces are triple-coated and made to be water, heat and sweat-proof, so they're a much better choice for holidays than cheap plated alternatives. You can read more about the difference between 18K gold and gold vermeil.
Yes, you can wear sterling silver jewelry on holiday, but it needs a little more care than stainless steel.
Sterling silver is made from 92.5% silver, mixed with a small amount of other metals, usually copper, to give it strength. The trade-off is that sterling silver can react faster to salt water and chlorine, especially if it's left wet or not cleaned properly after swimming.
That doesn't mean you need to leave your sterling silver pieces at home. Just rinse them with fresh water after swimming, dry them properly, and give them a quick wipe at the end of the day.
If you want the lowest-maintenance option, CRAFTD's stainless steel core pieces are the better beach choice, whether you prefer gold or silver tones. You still get the same clean look, but with more resilience against heat, water and everyday holiday wear.
Yes, as long as it is made to handle it.
Salt water is where a lot of lower-quality jewelry starts to struggle, especially when you add sand, sunscreen and heat into the mix. It can sit around clasps, links and settings, which is when cheaper plated pieces can start to fade, discolor or lose their finish.
Featured: Square Signet Ring (Silver)
With CRAFTD jewelry, you do not need to take your pieces off before going into the sea. Beach days, sea swims and hot weather are exactly the kind of moments our jewelry is built for.
Yes, you can wear jewelry in the pool, but chlorine is the thing to watch.
Pool water is harsher than normal water, which is why cheaper jewelry can struggle when it's worn in and out of the pool every day. Low-quality plated pieces are more likely to fade, tarnish or lose their finish over time.
Featured: 8mm Cuban and ball bracelet from the Iced Collection
CRAFTD jewelry is designed to be worn in water, so you can keep it on by the pool without overthinking it. A quick rinse with clean water after swimming is still a good habit, especially if you've been wearing sunscreen all day.
Yes, you can wear jewelry in hot weather, as long as it's made for everyday wear.
Heat alone is not usually the problem. The bigger thing to watch is build-up from sweat, sunscreen and daily wear, especially around clasps, links and settings if you're wearing the same pieces every day on holiday.
CRAFTD jewelry is made to be heat, water and sweat-proof, so it's built for warm weather, beach days and long days in the sun. A quick wipe at the end of the day is still a good habit, just to keep everything looking clean and sharp.
Sunscreen usually won't damage good-quality jewelry on its own, but it can build up around clasps, links and stone settings.
Over time, that build-up can make your pieces look dull, especially if you're wearing the same jewelry every day on holiday. The fix is simple. Rinse your jewelry with fresh water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth at the end of the day.
You don't need any specialist products. A quick rinse and dry is enough to keep everything looking clean for the full trip.
Cheap plated jewelry can tarnish quickly on holiday, especially if it has a brass or low-quality base metal underneath. Heat, sweat and salt water are hard on jewelry on their own, but when you put all three together, the finish can start to fade much faster.
CRAFTD pieces are made to handle that kind of wear. The stainless steel core helps protect against oxidation, while the triple-coated finish adds another layer of resistance. A quick rinse at the end of the day is still a good habit, but you won't come home to jewelry that's gone green, faded badly or lost its finish after one trip.
Featured: Iced Gemstone Necklace and Bracelet (Silver)
Take as much or as little as feels right.
If you already have a few pieces you wear every day, start there. A chain, pendant, bracelet or ring you trust can go on before you leave the house and stay with you from the airport to the hotel, by the pool and out in the evening.
From there, pack a little variety. Maybe one simple everyday piece, one bracelet, one ring and something with a bit more detail for nights out. The main thing is to enjoy wearing it.
Holidays are the time to have a bit more fun with your style, so wear the pieces that feel like you, pack the ones you're excited about, and if you find something new after reading this guide, we hope it comes with you on a good trip.
The easiest way to stop jewelry tangling is to pack chains separately where you can.
Fasten each chain before you pack it, then place it in a small jewelry pouch, travel case or separate soft bag. Try not to throw loose chains into a wash bag with toiletries, sunscreen or chargers, because that's when they usually get tangled, scratched or lost.
Rings and bracelets are easier to manage, but they still need a place of their own. Keep them together in one small case so they're protected and easy to find when you get there.
Holiday jewelry should be easy to wear, but it should be easy to travel with too.
You don't need a full care routine. CRAFTD pieces are made for heat, water, sweat and everyday wear, so the main thing is just keeping them fresh.
After the sea or pool, give your jewelry a quick rinse with fresh water, then dry it with a soft cloth. That helps clear off any salt, chlorine, sand or sunscreen that can build up around clasps, links and settings.
When you're not wearing your pieces, keep them in a pouch, travel case or jewelry roll so chains don't tangle and everything stays easy to find. That's it. Wear them properly, rinse when needed, and they'll be ready to go again the next day.
For the beach, the best pieces are waterproof, lightweight and easy to wear without a shirt. A gold or silver Cuban chain is the most popular choice — it sits naturally against the chest and doesn't need anything else around it. Beaded bracelets work well at the beach for their relaxed, textured feel. A simple pendant adds meaning without adding weight. See the full breakdown in Men's Holiday Jewelry Essentials.
Yes, you can wear water-resistant jewelry in the sea. CRAFTD jewelry is water, heat and sweat-proof, so it is designed to be worn on holiday, including beach days and swimming. Rinse with fresh water afterwards to remove salt and sand. Read more about wearing jewelry in the sea.
Yes. Stainless steel jewelry is one of the best options for the sea because it is durable and resistant to corrosion. CRAFTD uses 316L stainless steel across many pieces for strength, structure and long-lasting wear. Read more about the best materials for holiday jewelry.
You can wear good-quality gold jewelry on holiday, but cheap gold-plated pieces may struggle. CRAFTD's 18K gold pieces are triple-coated and made to be water, heat and sweat-proof. Read more about wearing gold jewelry on holiday.
Yes, but chlorine can be harsh on low-quality jewelry. CRAFTD jewelry is designed to be worn in water, including by the pool. Rinse with clean water afterwards to help remove chlorine and sunscreen. Read more about jewelry in the pool.
The best beach jewelry for men is lightweight, durable and easy to wear. Beaded bracelets, lightweight chains, minimal pendants and simple rings all work well for beach outfits. See Men's Holiday Jewelry Essentials for the full breakdown.
Men should wear jewelry that can move from day to night. A simple chain, bracelet, pendant and ring is usually enough for most holidays. See Holiday Jewelry Packing Tips for a simple framework.
Yes. Beaded bracelets are one of the easiest men's beach jewelry pieces because they feel relaxed, textured and natural with summer outfits. See Beaded Bracelets and Beach Jewelry for Men for more.
Rope chains, Cuban chains, wheat chains and box chains all work well on holiday. Choose a lightweight or medium-weight chain that works with open shirts, tees and swimwear. See Lightweight Chains for Summer.
Gold feels warmer and works well with linen, cream, olive, black and brown. Silver feels cleaner and works well with white, navy, grey, black and denim. See silver and gold styling examples for both.
Chains, pendants, cuffs and simple bracelets all work well with linen shirts. Gold jewelry usually brings warmth, while silver gives the outfit a cleaner finish. See Jewelry With Linen and Lightweight Shirts for examples.
Most men only need one chain, one pendant, one bracelet and one ring. You can add one stronger evening piece if you want more variety. See Holiday Jewelry Packing Tips.
Avoid cheap plated jewelry, weak clasps, loose rings and delicate pieces that are not made for water, heat, sweat, sand or sunscreen.
You can explore the full range at CRAFTD.
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