Hot Girl Summer: The Best SPFs
July 16 // à la Sarah Kurdt
Hi Summer Beauties!
SPF is very, very important. According to my last dermatologist visit, there is no such thing as a base tan. Any tan is an injury to the skin, putting you at risk for skin cancer and premature aging. I have found that having a nice quality sunscreen makes it more enjoyable to use every morning before makeup. No greasy, thick, chemical coconut smelling stuff allowed.
I have always had a complicated relationship with the sun. I am Irish and German, and quite freckled. Basically, I get a red lobster tint if I even go for a walk without sunscreen. However, the sunshine always boosts my mood and overall sense of well being. Throughout the years, I’ve learned to embrace my fair skin, lather on the sunscreen, and just rock it. (I’ve also been doing anti-aging skin care since college, so this is all in the same vain. Sun = wrinkles.)
Remember, even use SPF on cloudy days since 80% of the sun’s rays can still reach your skin. I like to use a higher quality, clean sunscreen on my face and neck. It sits better with makeup, and seems to help with breakouts. To save money, I’ll use a budget-friendly, sportier, sweat-friendly sunscreen on my arms and legs.
Mineral vs Chemical? Mineral sunscreen sits on top of your skin and reflects UV rays. Chemical sunscreen penetrates the top layer of the skin to absorb UV rays. My dermatologist recommended mineral sunscreen, but use whichever formula you prefer. (Any SPF is better than no SPF, ya know?)
Below are my 5 favorite powerhouse sunscreens:
Clinique Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 This is lightweight, very liquid-y, unscented, and blends easily. I love this for a daily sunscreen to put underneath makeup. You can’t even tell you are wearing sunscreen! $27 for 1 oz.
Dr Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 This formula is unscented, moisturizing and has anti-aging properties. It is specifically designed to not only protect your skin from the sun, but also to fight wrinkles and dark spots while you are wearing it. $42 for 1.7 oz.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Sunscreen SPF 30 Drunk Elephant is all the rage in the skincare world, so I had to try their version of sunscreen. It has a tint to it, so there is some coverage. I’ve been wearing this instead of foundation. $36 for 2 oz.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 Supergoop! has been my go-to sun protection brand for a while now. They have dominated the clean sun protection game, and I love the clean, velvety finish this formula provides. This sunscreen is also a clear primer, which makes it perfect for quick face application before makeup. $34 for 1.7 oz.
Coola Mineral Sun Silk Creme SPF 30 This formula is multi-tasking at its best. The thin, silky formula is perfect for underneath makeup. Not only does it provide sun protection, but also blocks blue-light and pollution. $42 for 1.5 oz.
Comment below your favorite sunscreen brands, I’d love to hear! Xx.
