Everyone loves spending time outside in the summer, and it’s easy to forget how harmful the sun can be. My father had skin cancer, so this topic is extremely important to me. Growing up I was always told to put on some sunscreen, but I never fully understood its importance until the negatives hit close to home. Even when it’s cloudy, you can still get burnt. Even when you’re inside, the windows still let UV rays in. Just because you didn’t get a burn doesn’t mean that you’re safe. Even when you can’t physically see it, the sun is damaging your skin. It is SO important to wear sunscreen every single day, especially when you’re outside. And it’s not just about putting on sunscreen and being done; it’s about reapplying after a few hours and when you get out a pool or ocean. I pack some with me everywhere I go so I can’t forget! They make nice little travel size bottles, its super easy to just throw in your bag.
I broke out my favorite products below into two buckets; sun protection vs self tan. I’m really not kidding when I said I wear sunscreen everyday, so I’ve tried a ton. I never knew how many different brands and products were out there, and I’m always trying something new.
Sun Protection
Sunscreen is not one size fits all, so I rounded up my favorites by category! Yes, you can get cheaper sunscreens at the drugstore, but I think it’s such an important part of your daily routine that it’s worth spending a little extra for a quality product. Plus many items on the list are “clean” and made with better for you ingredients. Most drug store sunscreens are chemical sunscreens, and can contain some chemicals that are really not great for you (it’s always good to check ingredient lists!).
Lips:
- Sugar tinted lip balm SPF 15
- Supergoop Shone on Lip Screen SPF 50
- Aquaphor Lip protectant + SPF 30
- Jack Black Lip Balm and SPF 25
Primers/lotions:
- Supergoop Daily Moisturizer SPF 40
- Dr Jart + Every Sun day UV Illuminating SPF 36
- Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35
- Supergoop City Suncreen Serum SPF 30
- Biossance Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Setting Sprays:
- Coola Refreshing Mist SPF 18
- Supergoop Refresh Setting Mist SPF 40
Make up:
- IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream SPF 50
- Baremierals Complexion Rescue Tinted moisturizer SPF 30
- Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
- Laura Mercier Skin Perfector SPF 30
Body:
- Supergoop Bosy Mousse SPF 50
- Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil SPF 30
Self Tan
A self-tan is a safe tan, so I added my favorites below! When it comes to self-tanning I am very low maintenance, and would rather not spend a few hours waiting around covered and chemical goop. I prefer buildable (and in my opinion more natural) tanning with customizable drops and lotions. And there’s no waiting around making a mess.
*Pro tip: DO NOT forget to shave and exfoliate well before self-tanning!!
- Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops
- Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Water (Spray)
- Tan-Luxe The Gradual Tan Lotion (Their drops are great but are more $$ than the ones above)
- Tan-Lux The Butter Illuminating Tanning Butter
- St Tropez Gradual In Shower Tan
And for any tanning mishaps (everyone has them), the Isle of Paradise “Over it” Magic Self Tan Eraser is a lifesaver!
Shades and Stripes 
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