I can’t stress enough just how important sunscreen is. I wear it on my face, under my eyes…everywhere! I realize I’m preaching to the choir, but it you are in my age-group – you once spent a significant amount of time in the sun with little to no sunscreen during your youth to work on your deep dark tan. Now we know to fake it ’till we make it even though we once terrorized our skin. We didn’t know any better. It’s never too late to start using sunscreen and I have found some amazing products you might not have thought or were aware of.
1. COOLA® Suncare ‘Classic Face’ Makeup Setting Spray SPF30, $36
Forgot to put sunscreen on before your makeup? No problem! COOLA’s SPF 30 setting spray helps protect your skin and your makeup! This weightless, matte-finish mist protects the sensitive skin of your face while keeping your makeup looking fresh all day. The organic formula includes both cucumber and aloe vera extracts to help soothe and refresh skin, while hyaluronic acid, known to bind moisture and help soften, tones and rehydrates. A skincare multitasker, it also reduces the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles as it blocks harmful UV rays with broad-spectrum protection. It also feels wonderful on your skin.
2. Supergoop!® ‘AcaiFusion’ Lip Balm SPF 30, $8.50
I was going to dedicate an entire post on SPF lip balms, but I couldn’t find enough I liked. Fact is, most taste like crap/chemicals. Supergoop! SPF 30 Fusion lip balms are the exception. They provide a unique high UV-protection solution to protect against broad-spectrum UV rays in a super-antioxidant and regenerative glossy formulation. Super berry açai hydrates lips, fights free radicals and helps repair oxidation damage. Shea butter provides deep, instant hydration. Antioxidant vitamins E and C protect from free radicals triggered by sunlight, tobacco smoke and smog while encouraging cell renewal. These glosses do not taste funky at all.
3. Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition SPF 30 Pump Spray, $12.45
Fight bugs and harmful rays at the same time! We’ve all been to the beach when it’s been a bit buggy or attended an afternoon BBQ where you are forced to stand in the sun getting eaten alive. This spray is one to keep on hand and in your summer tote at all times. Avon Skin so Soft Bug Guard Plus repels mosquitoes that may transmit West Nile Virus for 8 hours. The DEET-free formula provides effective protection against gnats, no-see-ums, sand flies and biting midges.
4. Mustela Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Plus, $22.49
Since I have two children under the age of 6 I used to find myself bogged down with a slew of SPF tubes and sprays. Some were for me and some for the kids. So I simply began using their products just because I couldn’t take the added weight in my beach bag. That’s how I discovered Mustela Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Plus which is a gentle sunblock suitable for infants and adults with naturally derived UV filters. Its lightweight formula fortifies skin with oat extracts and bisabolol while vitamin C neutralizes free radicals. Micronized titanium and zinc provide UVA and UVB protection to prevent burning and cell damage.
5. Mustela After Sun Hydrating Spray, $15
After a day at the beach/pool it’s important to refortify and rehydrate your dry and sun-damaged skin. Mustela After Sun Hydrating Spray restores comfort and hydration to parched skin suffering from irritation due to environmental exposure. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly into your skin to promote smoothness and elasticity with omega-rich jojoba seed oil. Avocado oil moisturizes and conditions your skin as it reinforces the natural lipid barrier and neutralizes free radicals. I use this on myself and my kids.
6. EOS Lemon Drop Smooth Sphere Lip Balm SPF 15, $2.99
Initially I had no idea this cute orb of a lip balm contained any SPF because I couldn’t taste it, so that was a good sign. This lip balm contains Vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil to keep your lips kissably smooth while offering UVA/UVB protection. It’s petrolatum, Phthalate, gluten & paraben free too. So do yourself a favor and keep this in your makeup bag and use as your balm year round. Thank me later.
7. REN Glow & Go Kit, $22
Days spent in the sun even with protection can be stressful on your face. REN’s Glow and Go! 2-piece kit includes all you need to restore beautiful, healthy and radiant skin. In the morning use the Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial to instantly revitalize and rejuvenate skin. It’s formulated with potent water-activated Vitamin C it will neutralize urban grey (ew) in a flash, leaving skin looking firm and glowing with renewed health and radiance. The Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask is your evening treatment. It’s a potent exfoliating mask formulated to renew the complexion, dramatically improve skin tone and radiance and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 10 minutes.
8. Dr. Dennis Gross Antioxidant Cleansing Cloths with AHAs, $18
I carry these and baby wipes. Frankly I don’t ever plan on giving up either. These new multi-tasking cleansing cloths by Dr. Dennis Gross remove unwanted impurities and add essential actives to help skin confidently face the day with no rinsing required. These are perfect for removing all the sunscreen on your face apres the pool and fun in the sun. Dr. Gross developed these antioxidant cleansing cloths which are soaked in skin-nourishing antioxidants, vitamins, HAs, and hydrators. While they remove impurities, pollution and makeup they leaving behind a detoxifying veil that prevents free-radical damage.
9. Cricket Ultra Smooth Detangling Brush, $12.95
A day at the beach can be disastrous on your hair (wind, sun & sand), especially if it’s long. Cricket’s Ultra Smooth Detangling Brush detangles all hair types, wet or dry. The plastic bristles are infused with a special blend of Argan and Olive oils and Keratin protein that replace tangles with luxurious shine and smooth manageable hair. It’s a perfect shower brush to massage your scalp and pull conditioner through your hair!
10. Fekkai Pre Soleil Hair Mist, $19.16
I have been known apply a mixture of a little SPF cream and conditioner to my hair before I head out to the pool to keep my color safe. But I hate my hair looking greasy and icky if I have to remove my hat to swim. I’d rather spray on the protection and keep my hair looking normal. That’s why I love Fekkai Pre Soleil Hair Mist so. I just spritz this mix of hydrating sunflower seed oil and an invisible UV filter that minimizes color fade and keeps hair hydrated, while it adds shine and a subtle citrus scent. Just be sure to comb it through and reapply after swimming.
– Lauren Dimet Waters
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