Cool Ways to Protect Against the Sun

By Linnea Sheldon

 

Looking good and staying safe don’t always mix well. Sun protection can bring sticky bodies, frizzy hair, and shapeless cover-ups. Fortunately, times have changed, and thanks to the increased demand for convenient and attractive sun-protection options, retailers are finally getting it right.

Glowing Protection

By adding sun protection into our everyday products, manufacturers are making covering up practical and stylish. Makeup, lotions, and even hair products are now available with SPF (sun protection factor). Murad makes it easy to get that healthy sun-kissed glow that everyone desires during the hot summer months. Their Radiant Bronze Face & Body Tinted Self-Tanner with SPF 15 gives you an instant glow and gradual tan while also protecting you from the harmful rays.

Murad also has a great product for the face and body. Their Firming Bronzer with SPF 15 is a light-weight lotion that increases skin firmness, gives instant color and includes sunscreen. That’s three products in one!

If you’re looking for a little more coverage on your face, bareMinerals’ SPF 15 Foundation gives flawless, light-weight coverage made of pure minerals free from preservatives and other chemicals that could irritate your skin.

BalmShelterFall2007.jpgHeal Those Burning Lips!

When covering up your skin, it’s easy to forget your lips. If you’re looking for a sexy pout that’s also safe from the sun, look no further than the Balm’s BalmShelter SPF 17 tinted gloss. It’s long wearing with lots of color options, and it not only protects but moisturizes as well. Plus, all the glosses are strawberry-banana scented!

Made with the Shades

Sunglasses are another great way to keep away the harmful rays. When shopping for sunglasses, you want to look for a pair that has large frames and is wide through the temple for best coverage. Shades now go up to UV 400 protection.

Clothing with a UPF (UV Protection Factor) is available in many styles and colors and has come a long way since it first hit the market. Many retailers offer casual clothing for all ages ~ as well as swim suits and active wear ~ with sun protection.

00787.jpgClothes Fight Back

Can’t find any UPF clothing styles that you like? Well, another option is SunGuard Laundry Aid, which you can use on your own clothes. Just add a package to a hot or warm wash and instantly add a 30 UPF to all your clothing. Protection lasts up to 20 washes.

Hats are another great option for protecting the scalp, ears, and eyes. The Wallaroo Hat Company not only offers a variety of styles and colors of hats with UPF, they also donate a portion of their sales to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Totes’ Totesport SunGuard Umbrella is a great product that creates shade and comfort ~ and is very cute! These umbrellas come in a variety of colors and styles and offer UPF 50+ protection.

pulsera.jpgKnow When It’s Time to Go

Now that you’re covered from head to toe in sun protection but still looking hot, what’s left? How about some accessories! UV Sol Beads change color in the sun to alert you to exposure to potentially harmful UV rays. As your UV exposure increases, the intensity of the beads’ color also increases. These beads can be used to make bracelets or can be clipped or tied to an umbrella, beach bag, or whatever works for you. They make a great reminder to limit sun exposure to keep you healthy and looking good.