Safe Sun Saviors
For even the Palest of Peau
I will never forget my first sunburn. I was barely 6 years old and swimming under the apathetic eye of a relative for whom sunscreen was something “not to be wasted”. I can - to this day - recall the sensation of dipping under the warm Gulf water to feel what can only be described as small jolts of electricity to my skin - the salt water combining with a roasted baby epidermis, quite literally cooked under the midday Florida sun, despite the fact that my parents had sent along multiple bottles of SPF 50 in my beach bag. I returned home looking like a lobster that could not speak, and was thus delegated to sit behind a cooling fan for days and exist in a moving cocoon of aloe. While the late 80’s were not exactly the guiding decade of practicing safe sun, my father was adamant that my sister and I were well protected in vats of sunscreen with well-timed reapply’s, as our French and Irish skin most certainly did not welcome the sun well, aforementioned negligence be damned.
Since that fateful day on the Florida Gulf Coast, I’ve embraced not only my creamy-and-prone-to-burning skin type, but have since taken the deep dive into loving all things crème solaire.
Below are a handful of my sunny favorites, might the beach be finally beckoning us once again this year or if you’re like me, the simple smell of SPF makes you feel some kind of beautiful.
Grace Kelly slathering on her favorite SPF in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1952 classic To Catch A Thief
I crossed this Shiseido-owned nugget of joy in the Singapore airport a few years ago, after my acupuncturist touted it’s dreamy benefits, (and I’ll try anything she says!) The light, spreadable milk leaves a radiant, non-sticky finish that still wears well under makeup and does not exacerbate breakouts. Advanced technology ensures that the UV protection veil is strengthened with sweat, water and heat while boasting an 80 min water resistance.
Leave it to the Aussies to light the way on all things sun protection. Up to 4+ hours water resistant, broad-spectrum protection that is free from preservatives, PABAs, parabens, oxybenzone and octinoxate. The entire line smells divine, but check out the Sticky Zinc if you’re spending time on the surfboard, as even the biggest Bali waves won’t be able to slip it into your eyes.
A natural mineral sunscreen with water resistance up to 80 minutes, infused with hyaluronic acid, Ashwagandha and soothing green tea, leaving no white residue in its wake. More suited for beach and pool days than residing under makeup, but Salt & Sun is reef safe and smells fantastic. Opt for bonus lip coverage with their hydrating lip balm SPF 30.
My everyday, under-make-up magic. Lightweight texture, absorbs quickly and leaves just the right amount of ‘dew’ on the skin, causing no hindrance to whatever daytime look you’re reaching for. Infused with hyaluronnic acid and a full spectrum filtering system, protecting you from infrared, visible light, and UVA/UVB rays. J’adore.
Water resistant and leaving a matte-finish, this fluid contains the LRP Cell-OX Shield, a patented UVA/UVB filter technology that includes a powerful antioxidant complex. Water resistant for up to 80 minutes and works seamlessly under any foundation. Now reformulated with a new look and Oxybenzone-free.
Another star in the LRP family, French pharmacy staple Cicaplast has added high protection to their already cult classic soothing balm. Much thicker in texture and perhaps more suited to dry or sensitive types, the emollient cream contains Madecassoside to deeply repair the skin and 5% Panthénol for soothing, anti-itching action. LRP claims it may prevent tattoo ink from fading and protects scars from hyperpigmentation. Lays beautifully under makeup despite its thicker texture.
Not to be relied on solely for SPF coverage, these little vitamins help prep the skin for increased sun exposure with their combination of Actilycopene®, lutein, vitamin E and selenium, to combat oxidative stress in and on the body. Take one capsule with a meal, roughly 1 month before prolonged exposure.
Share your favorites below, and very happy (safe) sunning. ☀️