I suspect that no matter where you live, you can already sense summer’s approach. For those living in more northern climes, it may have been an unusually warm day, or lighter, skimpier clothing displayed in department store windows. Here in northern California, we’ve had some bizarrely warm days–warm enough for shorts.
I relish preparations for summer. OK, I admit, I use the change of season as an excuse to buy a few new pieces for the wardrobe–you know, something to make me anticipate sand between my toes, the clear cool of a lake, or an travel adventure in a foreign land. I also like to fully prepare my arsenal for protecting my skin against stronger sun rays, and longer times spent in the sun. But in all honesty, these products are ones I use year-round… I just like to stock up before summer.
This year’s sun protection favorites include:
Burnout Sunscreen, $17.99 for 3oz – This continues to remain my favorite.* Reasonably priced, and all natural, this non-nano-particle zinc oxide-based cream goes on easily, doesn’t give you the white “Casper” look, provides true SPF 30 protection and doesn’t sting the eyes.
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream, $39 for 1.7oz – I still find this all-natural, tinted “BB” cream superior to any other natural BB creams available. The moisturizing formula goes on beautifully, provides SPF 30 using a non-nano zinc base, and comes in several natural shades. I use it every day–religiously. When I want a little extra coverage, I simply brush a bit of mineral-based powder over my face after I’ve applied the CC Cream.
BrushOnBlock, $32 for .12oz – I really like this mineral-based SPF 30 powder for touching up during the day and for when I want extra coverage over my tinted face cream/block. It’s the perfect size for carrying in a tote bag or even a small clutch. It controls oily afternoon shine–if you’re prone to that, and makes reapplying sunscreen easy.
La Natura Botanicals Green Tea Hand Cream, $16 for 3oz- I only recently discovered this product, but I became an instant fan. The formulation feels rich, but absorbs quickly thanks to a little rice and cornstarch in the ingredients. It also has a nice, light herbal scent, which I’m always on the lookout for since I’m so scent-sensitive. As I’ve gotten older, my skin has gotten increasingly drier–a trend that’s amplified on my hands, and made worse by all the dishwashing and gardening I do.
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm, $6.99 for .15oz – I think I own every color this product comes in! The six subtly-colored shades provide long-lasting moisture, and the easy to use, “Chapstick”-style tube make this product a go-to for purse, beach bag, etc.
Most importantly, remember the basics:
- Apply sunscreen every day–rain or shine, and reapply often if you’re going to be out in the sun for an extended period of time or you’re swimming.
- Avoid chemical formulations, and look for mineral, zinc oxide formulations with an SPF of 30.
- The sun’s rays are typically at their strongest between the hours of 10am and 3pm.
- Make use of hats, cover-ups and rash guards. All three are available in so many great styles, and many can provide sun protection superior to any cream or lotion (and without the hassle of reapplying).
Summer here we come!
*I used the Honest Company’s sunscreen last year, but while I liked the non-whitening, super-moisturizing formulation, I agreed with a lot of the media that it didn’t provide the SPF 30 it claimed to. I don’t know if they reformulated the product, but once I hear they have, I will give it another try.
Eat Well, Be Well, Live Well 