Much of this past weekend was spent outdoors– a BBQ, a pick-up volleyball game, and some yard work. I went hunting for last summer’s stash of SPF, only to find I was completely out. (I suppose that’s a good thing; it means I used it all up last summer! Great for wrinkle/skin cancer prevention.)
I don’t need to harp about SPF, do I? How about short and sweet: the sun is amazing, but too much is a bad thing (from wrinkles to age spots to skin cancer, you don’t really want to go there). So lather up!
To update my SPF arsenal, I went to Target. Here’s my haul:
1. Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Lotion SPF 20
2. Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Spray SPF 30
3. Nivea A Kiss of Protection Lip Balm SPF 30
4. Banana Boat Aloe After Sun Lotion
5. Coppertone Continuous Spray UltraGuard Sunscreen SPF 30
6. Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock Lotion SPF 110
I choose my SPF depending on the occasion, but my face always gets the primo protection treatment. SPF 110 sounded about right. Look– the sun isn’t going to give me a golden tan (that job is reserved for my self-tanner), and I’m not down for the wrinkles-for-a-little-color trade-off when it comes to my face. That’s just crazy talk. So Neutrogena’s Age Shield (6) is right up my alley; sun protection to the max, which protects and combats free radicals. It’s also oil-free, so no worries about breaking out. Don’t forget the lips– mine are protected with a little balm + SPF (3).
For standard protection, I love an SPF 30 spray (5). But when things are going to get physical, or you’ll be in and out of the pool, new wet skin formulas (2) are your best bet. They minimize required dry time between applications because they work when you’re sweaty/fresh-outta-the-pool. Legs look great with a little sheen, so an SPF with a touch of shimmer (1) is perfect when paired with a sundress.
After a day in the sun, give your skin a little love with an after-sun lotion (4). An aloe + vitamin E-based version will soothe any redness (because maybe you waited a beat too long to reapply), and will give your skin the moisture it needs.
When you’re catching some rays, what products do you reach for to stay burn-free?
Great advice! I saw the Wet Skin stuff at the store over the weekend and wondered about it- sounds like I need to pick some up!
I love Nivea’s lip products! The best!
Awesome post. Sunscreen is so important! I tan easily and didn’t always use sunscreen like I should, but have been recently applying a lot because I don’t want to look 85 when I’m 45!
Alissa- try Wet Skin! I love it.
ZH- Nivea does make a great balm.
Marisol- I’m with you, lady! Gotta start the wrinkle battle NOW!
Great suggestions!! I’ll definitely be buying a bottle of the Hawaiian Tropic shimmer lotion the next time I venture to Target.
I like Rhonda Allison eZinc Protection Cream, SPF 18 and a delicious pineapple scent and Burt’s Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen, SPF 30 and really great for sensitive skin.
Great suggestions! I will definitely have to pick up a bottle of the the Hawaiian Tropic shimmer lotion the next time I venture out to Target. My face is fairly sensitive to the sun, so the Neutrogena Age Shield is right up my alley.
As for my faves:
Burt’s Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen; SPF 30, no nasty chemicals and great for sensitive skin.
Rhonda Allison eZinc Protection Cream; SPF 18, extremely moisturizing and delicious pineapple/islandy scent.
i definitely need some sunscreen.. all that beach volleyball i play in the summer, need to protect my skin!
myblissisthisway.blogspot.com
Found my new SPF shopping list! 🙂
Great post!