Summer is All About Fun in the Sun July 01 2015, 0 Comments
Summer is all about fun in the sun. But to be sure you don’t get burned out (literally and figuratively), we’ve shared our shortlist for the best accessory this season: Sunscreen. We turned to our trusty EWG guide and polled our girlfriends to identify what really works, so you don’t have to waste time reading countless product reviews or roam endless beauty aisles. From natural blocks to drugstore buys, we’ve got you covered. Now, go sink your toes in the sand or linger at an outdoor brunch without worry!
Alba. Available at health food grocers and your local drugstore, Alba Botanica offers a range of options from kids to facial to unscented and sport under its Very Emollient Sunscreen line. According to Alba, “Minerals are a girl's best friend — especially when it comes to sun protection!” We like their cheekiness and their lightweight broad spectrum mineral sunscreens with nothing nano. The biodegradable lotions are also reef-safe and gluten-free.
Babyganics. It’s a big world, baby. And this Mineral Based Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50+) is designed so your little one can get out there and explore. Offering UVA and UVB protection, this water-resistant sunscreen is free of PABA, phthalates, parabens, fragrances and nano-particles. Bonus: It’s easy to apply, which is essential when your kids are quick and on the move.
Beautycounter. This natural beauty fave makes two skin-worthy products that should be in your summer care kit. The Protect Overall Sunscreen (SPF 30) and Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 20) are lightweight formulas that sink into your skin without casper-like streaks, making them perfect for everyday wear. Both products use non-nano zinc oxide, which is an effective and safe mineral sun blocker.
Cetaphil. A classic and affordable choice, Cetaphil’s Daily Facial Moisturizer (SPF 15) and Dermacontrol Moisturizer (SPF 30) are smart choices for layering under your makeup when you’re on the go.
Coola. You’ll feel as cool as a cucumber wearing Coola Suncare’s organic sunscreen and care products, a line that uses as many ingredients as possible that are natural, sustainable, and locally sourced like the foods we eat. In their words, it’s all about “Farm to Face.” The plant-based, broad spectrum protection found in these healthy sunscreens meets the standard of what you’d expect from any luxury product. Think eco-chic (and safe) in a bottle.
Juice Beauty. From beauty staples like tinted moisturizer and CC cream to sport sunscreens, Juice Beauty’s sun protection and SPF collection starts with an organic botanical base of aloe, jojoba, grape seed, shea, and citrus. These natural formulations offer broad spectrum sun protection rich in antioxidants that your skin can drink up.
La Roche-Posay. You don’t have to fly to France to learn Parisian skincare secrets. All it takes is a trip to Target or Walgreens. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios line offers great options for daily SPF, sunscreen cream, and mineral ultra-light formulations.
Tarte. Leave it to this innovative beauty brand to deliver a multitasker that takes the guesswork out of our morning routine. The BB 12-hour primer, which keeps our makeup from melting away, also acts as a moisturizer, light foundation, treatment, and sunscreen. Because we don’t have to layer on heavy products, our skin breathes a sigh of relief.
The Honest Company. When it comes to sun, surf, and sand, we remember to lather up with sunscreen. However, getting out the door on busy summer camp mornings makes it easy to forget to prime those forgotten areas like exposed hands, feet, and the part along your scalp. Enter The Honest Company’s Sunscreen Stick (SPF 30). It’s the perfect purse or pocket companion so no areas are missed. And it’s so easy to apply that your kids can put it on themselves. The stick is an all-natural, mineral-based broad spectrum sunscreen. (Hot tip: We recommend buying a few and tucking them into different bags.)
Yes to. It’s easy to lead by example and show your kids how to embrace veggies with the Yes to Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer (SPF 30). They'll happily agree to wear the Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen Stick (SPF 30).
P.S. Sunscreens make a great addition to your year-round family care and beauty routine because we know play is an important part of your every day.
For more information on sun safety, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics simple rules for fun in the sun.