Face protection can be the hardest or the easiest part in this depending on the products used. It's recommended to use 1 fl. oz. of sunscreen for exposed body, but this is easier said than done, While we can get away with using more sunscreen on the body, even a recommended 0.3 teaspoon for face and neck might seem a little too much as most sunscreen leaves white residue on the skin or feels too heavy. Also, let's not forget those who wear makeup - sunscreen may interfere with how products lay on top of it. So I'm very excited to introduce my newest discovery - Shiseido Sports BB Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ WetForce cream (link). I don't wear liquid foundations, BB/CC creams, tinted moisturizers or anything like that, because no matter the product, no matter the price, no matter the brand, no matter the application tool, my skin gets irritated. Sometimes it feels itchy, sometimes I get red spots, but sooner or later it starts to bother me, and that's one of the reasons why I only use dry foundations and powders. However, I had a sample of this Shiseido's BB cream for a while, and decided to try it out. The color (Medium) was a bit too dark on me, but I fell in love with the product from the first use, so I got it in full size in color Light. This cream applies easily, absorbs quickly, doesn't leave any stickiness on the skin, and most importantly it doesn't bother my skin. Besides, it is pigmented enough to even out skin tone and give light-medium coverage. If I use this BB cream, I don't need additional coverage. Sometimes I lightly dust my mineral foundation on top, but most of the time I leave it as is. It's also a very convenient application as my skin doesn't need any extra hydration, so I use this cream as my moisturizer in the morning, and it doesn't even interrupt my usual morning routine.
Another product that I purchased recently is Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray (link). This products makes life easier as it protects from the sun, and helps set the makeup. It's also a great product to carry in your purse and reapply throughout the day. I use it both on Shiseido BB cream and on my regular makeup. The mist is very fine and dries on the face quickly. It doesn't make skin feel tight or dry. The scent is a bit strong at first, but it doesn't bother me. While the spray performs great, it irritates my eyes. I have a few facial/makeup setting sprays, but this is the only one doing that, so I blame it on SPF. I close my eyes when applying this spray, but my eyes are very sensitive and since it gets on my lids and undereyes, it makes my eyes itchy and teary. It's a very recent purchase, so I'm still unsure if I want to continue using it. It works fine if I cover my eyes and avoid applying too close to them, but that makes using it inconvenient, especially when on a go. I was hesitant to include it in this article, but I did as I believe it's a great product, and many people, who don't have sensitivity like I do, could benefit from using it.
That pair of sunglasses in the photo is for a reason, not just to make the photo look prettier. Our eyes as well as delicate eye area should also be protected from the sun, and a lot of times we can't or we just don't apply sunscreen too close to the eyes, so wearing sunglasses is a great option. The most important factor when choosing sunglasses should be 100% UV protection. The color or darkness doesn't make protection better, but bigger lenses cover and protect bigger area. It's also smart to wear a hat which protects your hair, eyes, and face.
Just like face care, body care is a part of my daily routine, so I try to use sunscreen on my body every day. I say "I try", because many times I feel like skipping this step as skin gets sticky, sunscreen leaves white cast, I'm in a rush or just don't want too many products on my skin. Coola Eco-Lux Body SPF30 Sunscreen Spray* in Fresh Cucumber scent (link) makes applying sunscreen so much easier. When boating or on the beach, I am completely different as to a certain degree I don't care how sunscreen applies, how it looks or feels as long as I have good protection, but when it comes to everyday use I'm very picky. I want my sunscreen to leave no white residue, to apply and absorb well, and to feel light on the skin. This Coola sunscreen ticks all the boxes, and is very convenient to use as I can spray it on the skin and let it sink without rubbing in. It's great for reapplying when on the go or applying in a rush as it doesn't take long and doesn't stain the clothes. Also, the cucumber scent smells so refreshing and light, but if you prefer unscented or some other option, Coola has a few to choose from (how yummy does Guava Mango sound?).
When using sunscreen you should always remember to apply it on all exposed skin, including your neck, ears, hands and feet. With beautiful weather outside plans can change easily, and one may enjoy some sunshine in a park during lunch break instead of going into a store, so having sunscreen with you is always helpful. However, not everyone wants to carry a big bottle at all times, so sample or mini/travel sized products can be a great option. I always have one in my handbag, and sometimes I use it, sometimes I end up not using before it expires, but I feel good about being prepared. Currently I'm carrying Green Goddess Organics Everyday Natural Sunscreen SPF30* (link to travel size , link to full size). I've used sunscreens from this brand in the past, and I have no complaints.
I feel like repeating myself, but let me tell that once more - my behavior differs on a beach. I wear a hat most of the time while on a boat or at the beach, but on everyday basis I don't like any scarves or hats on my head, so I try to do the best I can in protecting my hair (and my scalp!) from harmful UV rays. I was very excited to receive Bare Republic UV Protecting 5-in-1 Mist* (link). This multitasker is loaded with organic ingredients (over 70%), and aside from protecting from the sun, it also gives anti-frizz, shine, detangling and conditioning benefits. This product doesn't make my hair look greasy, but if applied with a heavy hand, my hair doesn't look as good next day, and I prefer washing it. I also use this mist on ponytail and braided hair by spraying the product into my palms, rubbing my hands together and running them through the hair.
I don't know about you, but I've never heard about such an innovative product. UVO* (link) drink is a sun protective supplement that is filled with vitamins, antioxidants and phytonutrients. I have it in liquid form, but it also comes as powder that can be mixed into any of your drinks. UVO is free from artificial flavors and preservatives, it's vegan and gluten free. It's recommended to drink one bottle per day 30 minutes before sun exposure for 3-5 hours of protection. With all the goodness inside this drink can also help in healing your sunburn after overexposure to the sun, and can help repair and beautify skin when used daily. Everyone knows that it's important to stay hydrated when enjoying the sun, so this drink not only protects you from damaging UV rays, but also helps to replenish your body. It's in "Orange Peach" flavor, but I taste mostly peach (which I like). Sometimes bottled flavored drinks, e.g. strawberry protein drink, taste unnatural and chalky, but UVO is really tasty.
Sun protection is important, but it's also important to give some extra love to your skin after a day in the sun. Nothing beats a good cool shower to revitalize your body. I also love to pamper myself with a hydrating mask to restore moisture to my skin. One of the masks that I can recommend is Ellame Hydro Complex hydrating sheet mask* (link). It's not sold in the US market, but I received it from Europe, so you might be able to get it from some European online store. I've heard a lot of great reviews about this mask and had to try it myself. This mask is very thin and has 2 protective layers (you peel one before applying the mask on your face, and the other is peeled when the mask is in place). Being this thin the mask fits like second skin on the face. My only complaint is that eye holes are cut small, so it doesn't apply well around the eyes and also isn't very comfortable for doing things around the house with a mask on, because my vision is partially blocked. On the nice note the mask is drenched in serum, and plenty of it is left in the package, so it can be used afterwards on the face, neck and chest. There was plenty of serum for me to apply on my arms as well. It smells pleasantly and not strong at all. The consistency is slightly gooey, but not in a yucky way. The directions tell to keep the mask on for 20 minutes, but I kept it for 30 minutes. It seemed that in some spots the mask almost stuck to the face (as if the skin drank up all the moisture there), but I felt no tightness. When I removed the mask, there was plenty of product left all over the face, but it sank into the skin quickly once I started massaging it. My skin felt hydrated, soft and plump. I didn't even need any moisturizer.
If I don't use a mask, then I just wash my face and put cream on it. After spending a day in the sun I like using foam or clay based cleansers as they deeply wash the skin making is squeaky clean. I don't overuse such products as I don't want to dry out my skin. If you have oily skin, you may use them more often, but once or twice a week is enough for me. Goddess Garden Organics Erase The Day Mineral Removing Cleanser* (link) is a good choice for a clay cleanser. It's a good alternative to Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Clay Cleanser as they are both based on French green clay. Once all sunscreen, sweat and makeup residue is removed, you want to restore skin's moisture by applying some hydrating product. I have Goddess Garden Organics Dream Repair Sun Repair Night Cream* (link) in the photo (I haven't tried it yet), but it's just for reference as almost anything hydrating works. You can even apply pure aloe vera gel both on your face and your body.
Lastly, let's not forget our bodies. Like I've just mentioned, you can apply aloe vera gel on the skin to calm it and to restore moisture after exposure to the sun, or you can apply body milk, lotion, cream, or butter. Basically, anything you prefer works for this. I always choose something heavier, so I use body butter. This particular one is by Estelle and Thild (link), which I received in a mini set with three other body butters. Sparkling Citrus Bloom is scented very lightly and smells nice, but it's my least favorite of the four. It's considered a body butter, but is on the lighter side, almost like a whipped cream. A little goes a long way, and it absorbs quickly. This is a product I intent to keep on buying.
* marks PR samples sent complimentary
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