My Favorite Sun Protection Products

It’s UV awareness month and being an athlete or trying to get into fitness means that you’re most likely looking for a great workout to fit your needs.

Quite often those needs are met by finding workouts – whether walking, cycling, boot camping in the park – that are outside. I mean on beautiful days, when you have the time, why not spend as much time outside as possible…
Well, many are weary because of the sun.  Listen, you’re not invincible and not being sun conscious is so 1983. Getting tan is ok, but making sure that you are covering up with sunscreen and UPF clothing must be a priority.
You can still get color under these clothes and with sun protection on, you will just be doing so without damaging your skin as much and lowering your chances of having any skin cancer scares.
If your main concern is looking very tan, then, truthfully, maybe you need to refocus your priorities because without sunscreen you’re asking for a possibly shorter life, more wrinkles and seriously damaged skin. Sorry, I know we don’t always like to hear these things, but it is important nonetheless.

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite sun protection products:

First, of course, we must discuss sun screen.  There are so many different kinds of sunscreen.  When I was younger I used to want the best tan, so I would use the most minimal sunscreen number.  Now with sun spots on my face and smarter priorities in my life I use a higher SPF and, the truth is, I still get a beautiful amount of color.  My two favorite sunscreens are:

NO-AD Sport Sunblock Lotion SPF 50 — 16 fl oz – and – Coppertone Sport High Performance Sunscreen SPF 30 both of which have the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation.

Next, far too often I see people whose lips are a complete wreck from the sun.  It is so important to make sure you use  a lip balm with SPF in it.  Personally, I love the Aquaphor Lip Protectant Sunscreen.  It feels amazing and regardless of if I’m on the beach or walking down the street in the sun, I know my lips will be beautifully protected.

Ugh, yes, it’s hot.  But, we still want to look good.  Nowadays, more and more beauty companies are putting SPF in their foundations and tinted moisturizers.  As a makeup artist I am consistently asked by my clients what the best product is to use in the summer.  There are two tinted moisturizers that I use all the time and constantly refer my clients and friends to:

Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen High Protection Tint SPF 40 This product is a bit more moveable, but it gives a beautiful dewy look to your skin.  I also use Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 .  This product doesn’t move as much, but it has a beautiful finish and a less dewey finish.

UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing is incredible especially if you have fair skin and can be important to wear if you’re going to be out for long periods of time.  It is just as comfortable as regular clothing, but protects your skin from the sun’s rays.  Yes, I realize that one of my favorites is long sleeve, but come Fall  & Winter when the sun is still strong, it is just as important to cover up. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) has ratings from 15 (good) to 50+ (excellent). Some of my fave’s are:

REI’s Fleet T-shirt, it is comfy, not too form fitting and great for any day time activity.  I also really love the Columbia Coolest Cool Long Sleeve Top.

So there you have it, some of my fav’s.  We will have a few sun related articles this month for UV Awareness month, so stay tuned…