So I thought I would do a post on sunscreen! The beauty magazines and websites have started discussing, so I thought I would share some of the things I had been reading and include some of my own tips as well. So, let's discuss.
1. What's the difference in SPF anyway?
Well, past about SPF 30, not much. According to a report in Allure this month, there is not much difference in the actual protection. HOWEVER, a study showed that higher SPF helps throughout the day. If you are not one who is good about re-applying (like me), then go with the high SPF. Participants wore SPF 30 or SPF 70. They did not reapply all day. Only one person wearing the 70 had a sunburn, while all of the SPF 30 wearers got burned. While the researchers are unsure why this occurs, they did say that it shows there is some benefit to higher SPF.
2. How much do I need to apply?
A lot. A WHOLE FRICKIN LOT. A tablespoon on your face, and basically a shot glass or two for the rest of your body. You also need to apply before you go out in the sun. I recommend slathering up before you put your suit on. Let it absorb while you finish getting ready, and then hit the beach/pool/river/etc!
3. What to look for?
Key words: UVA and UVB protection. Helioplex is a relatively new addition that is supposed to block out more harmful rays. I've noticed when I use Neutrogena with Helioplex I don't get burned EVER. If you don't like the sting, look for Pabafree. Sweatproof, sport, and waterproof are also good because even if you are a beach bum like me (i.e. not one bit of physical activity) you still sweat. Buying the sport brands helps it stay on!
4. What order to apply SPF, moisturizer, makeup, etc?
From what I've read in various sources, you should go from lighter items (serums, light lotions) to heavier items (sunscreen and makeup). On a daily basis my makeup has sunscreen, so I just apply as normal. I don't wear much makeup when I have heavy duty sunscreen on...plus I'm usually sweating to death anyway. My order of operations, nonetheless, is: wash face, apply light lotion, apply sunscreen, apply tinted moisturizer, apply waterproof mascara, chapstick, done.
5. What are some good brands?
My favorite face product is Neutrogena Dry Touch SPF 70 with Helioplex. It's GREAT. It goes on fairly thick and white, but after a few seconds is completely absorbed. It doesn't sting, and when I wear it on my face I do NOT get burned. $10.99 at drugstores.
My favorite body product is Banana Boat Sport SPF 30. It does need reapplying throughout the day, but it's light, absorbs well, and works well!
I used to love the spray sunscreen. And I still do to an extent, especially when out on the beach and in need of a even re-application. However, never never spray this stuff in your house/bathroom. It takes major elbow grease to get it out of the tub and off the tiles. We also found out that it stains our boat seats. Big time. Which probably means it stains your car leather, chairs, etc. So we've switched back to lotion in our house. (If you want to know though, the best spray as far as application and staying power is BananaBoat. By FAR. Coppertone is terrible, I don't recommend).
Allure has a list of it's editor's fav products for the face HERE. Be on the lookout for Sephora's sample sunscreen sale. It usually happens around May, and you get a cute bag stuffed with samples to try for about $20 if I remember correctly. It's great because you can try different samples, and the little containers fit in your purse or beach bag perfectly! But why buy little samples? That's my next point:
6. THROW AWAY SUNSCREEN FROM LAST YEAR
Sunscreen expires. Within a year of purchase usually. If it is expired, it will not work. So while that giant container of sunscreen may seem like the best value dollar-wise, it isn't if you don't plan to use it and throw away almost all of it the following summer. I have found it's best to just buy the normal size tubes, use it, and buy more. Just don't use old stuff, mmmkay??
7. Anything else?
Don't forget your hair and lips. I am a chapstick addict (I honestly cannot make it through even half a day without it). I also have light hair that I spend good money on to maintain with color and cut, so to protect it I have found Redken Color Extend Sun spray. Warning, it's kinda greasy/oily. I spray it on my wet hair and pull it back into a ponytail. I would not use this at an event where I wanted my hair to look good. In that case, I would wear a cute hat! :) Out at the river or on the beach it's great, and helps keep my hair from getting tangled and dried out. I think it was around $15 when I bought last year. It is sold at salons and some drugstores.
HAPPY SUMMER GALS! Hope you enjoyed my long winded post! Let me know if you have any fav products or if there are any you want me to research and try out!
My favorite body product is Banana Boat Sport SPF 30. It does need reapplying throughout the day, but it's light, absorbs well, and works well!
I used to love the spray sunscreen. And I still do to an extent, especially when out on the beach and in need of a even re-application. However, never never spray this stuff in your house/bathroom. It takes major elbow grease to get it out of the tub and off the tiles. We also found out that it stains our boat seats. Big time. Which probably means it stains your car leather, chairs, etc. So we've switched back to lotion in our house. (If you want to know though, the best spray as far as application and staying power is BananaBoat. By FAR. Coppertone is terrible, I don't recommend).
Allure has a list of it's editor's fav products for the face HERE. Be on the lookout for Sephora's sample sunscreen sale. It usually happens around May, and you get a cute bag stuffed with samples to try for about $20 if I remember correctly. It's great because you can try different samples, and the little containers fit in your purse or beach bag perfectly! But why buy little samples? That's my next point:
6. THROW AWAY SUNSCREEN FROM LAST YEAR
Sunscreen expires. Within a year of purchase usually. If it is expired, it will not work. So while that giant container of sunscreen may seem like the best value dollar-wise, it isn't if you don't plan to use it and throw away almost all of it the following summer. I have found it's best to just buy the normal size tubes, use it, and buy more. Just don't use old stuff, mmmkay??
7. Anything else?
Don't forget your hair and lips. I am a chapstick addict (I honestly cannot make it through even half a day without it). I also have light hair that I spend good money on to maintain with color and cut, so to protect it I have found Redken Color Extend Sun spray. Warning, it's kinda greasy/oily. I spray it on my wet hair and pull it back into a ponytail. I would not use this at an event where I wanted my hair to look good. In that case, I would wear a cute hat! :) Out at the river or on the beach it's great, and helps keep my hair from getting tangled and dried out. I think it was around $15 when I bought last year. It is sold at salons and some drugstores.
HAPPY SUMMER GALS! Hope you enjoyed my long winded post! Let me know if you have any fav products or if there are any you want me to research and try out!
GREAT post! Especially because I am at the beach!!
ReplyDeleteI rocked that 70 SPF at the beach and it really worked great. Love Neutrogena!
ReplyDelete