Okay, having just returned from 5 glorious days in Hawaii, I feel compelled to give you a quick sunscreen update because I got to really test out some of this year’s new sunscreens, and I want to share the results with you. But first, here are a few very important tips:
1. The most common mistake that leads to sunburn is NOT applying the sunscreen thoroughly. I’m not talking about the amount of lotion so much as WHERE you apply it. I missed an area on my lower back, and the back of my knees. I thought I’d covered every inch of my body, but NO – I missed these seemingly obvious patches of flesh. This resulted in annoying sunburn, which was awful, especially on the back of my knees. So, don’t make the same mistake. Before you go out, make sure you coat your back, and have someone help get the area between your shoulder blades, which I noticed that loads of people of the beach had missed.
2. Apply sunscreen BEFORE you put on your swimsuit or bikini. The reason you see loads of sunburns alongside the bikini straps or neckline, is because women apply after getting dressed. I recommend slathering even the areas that you think won’t be exposed.
3. Re-apply every 2 hours. I know this is annoying, but if you are in and out of the water, it’s vital that you do.
Now for the brands that I love:
1. Sun Bum is awesome. Both my husband and I used it. I love this mineral sunblock because: It smells banana-ery and yummy, it’s not greasy, it doesn’t go on white (literally disappears,) and it protected me 100%. I used the SPF 30, which did a stellar job even in Hawaii, but they also have an SPF 50 if you are wanting extra protection.
2. My husband loved the MD Solar Sciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40. For men with hairy arms and legs, creamy sunblocks are a little dodgy because you they sit on the hair instead of the skin. This spray was brilliant for him and he particularly loved it because it wasn’t greasy.
3. I used Suntegrity’s 5-in-1 creme for my face, neck and chest. They have a new shade (golden light,) which is perfect for a summery glow, and it kept my face 100% protected – a fantastic product.