Goodbye spring and hello summer! Who's ready for the warmer weather and more time outside? To help you prepare for the new season, we compiled a list of beauty must-haves with an extra focus on SPF. Although it’s important to wear sunscreen all year long, summer calls for extra attention on being protected against the strong UV rays. So grab your sunglasses and mimosa and we’ll help you pick the best sunscreen products for you!

What is SPF?

What does SPF actually mean? SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and each product that contains SPF has a number that is paired with it. That important number tells you how well the sunscreen protects the skin against sunburn. The three most major forms of SPF are usually SPF 15, SPF 30, and SPF 50, however, there are sunscreen products with SPF levels that fall in between those three or above 50. The amount of SPF in a product correlates with the percentage of UV blockage it can provide, meaning that SPF 50 products block more incoming UV rays than SPF 15.

Harmful UV Effects on Skin

Everyone enjoys a nice, sunny, summer day! It is important to get outside and allow your skin to create Vitamin D as it is beneficial in regulating your body’s calcium levels, but being exposed to too much UV can be damaging to your skin. Overtime, overexposure to harmful UV rays can cause: 

• Sunburn
• Rosacea
• Wrinkles (or Crow’s Feet)
• Uneven pigmentation
• Skin cancer

When you do apply sunscreen, make sure to apply it 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours. Sunscreen should be applied to any areas that may be exposed to the sun.

Best Face Forward

If you’re looking for a classic face sunscreen, try the RéVive Soleil Superior Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen. It’s super lightweight and quickly melts into your skin. No one wants to feel hot and sticky and this sunscreen avoids that awkward feeling at all costs. Plus, it helps repair visible signs of aging. Apply liberally to face, neck and décolletage for the ultimate protection.

For a fun, but very effective sunscreen, try the Dr. Barbara Sturm Sun Drops. This innovative formula provides SPF 50 protection and can be mixed into your favorite face cream. Simply mix a few drops for instant protection and a glow boost!

Head to Toe Protection

If you’re looking for a hand cream that also acts as a sunscreen, then we suggest RéVive Fermitif Hand Renewal Cream SPF 15 Sunscreen. It smoothes and strengthens delicate skin to restore firmness and elasticity. This cream also deeply hydrates for all day moisture. 

For the rest of the body, the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray SPF 50+ protects against harmful UV rays with ingredients that help maintain your skin’s beauty. This convenient spray-type sunscreen allows for quick, easy application over larger areas of skin. 

Hair that Shines

We love the amazing effects that SPF products offer for our skin, but it can also be extremely beneficial for our hair. Our scalps are also considered a part of our skin, and with that comes hair that grows from the roots. Hair follicles can also be affected by the negative effects of the sun. The lighter your hair color, the more vulnerable your hair is to sun damage. The sun acts as a natural bleaching agent for your hair and causes anything from discoloration to split ends. To help prevent possible hair damage from the sun or to treat it, try Oribe Power Drops Hydration & Anti-Pollution Booster. This product provides hydration and excellent protection against environmental factors such as pollution and UV rays.

Another great hair product is the Sisley-Paris Protective Hair Fluid which offers optimal protection against UVA and UVB rays. This clean beauty product also scents the hair with citrus and woody notes of verbena, lemon, peach blossom, and amber. The UV rays won’t stand a chance!

Makeup that Glows

Summertime means it’s time to break out the neutral makeup looks! If you’re looking for a foundation that offers both UV protection, great coverage, and a perfect touch of color, try our favorite La Mer The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF20. The healthy touch of color reveals a luminous glow and promotes a smooth appearance.

Kiss those harmful rays goodbye with the Clé De Peau Beauté Uv Protective Lip Treatment Broad Spectrum SPF 30! This lip treatment protects and hydrates giving the lips a healthy look and feel.

Ready to go? Make sure to try Coola Makeup Setting Spray Organic Sunscreen SPF 30. This water-resistant setting spray provides sheer sun protection and keeps your makeup fresh all day long!

Sunscreen is such an important product to incorporate into your beauty routine. The process of picking out SPF products can be daunting, but we hope this guide was helpful in terms of SPF facts and finding the best products to always keep you protected and glowing!