Sun searching: Five SPF products you need for spending time in the sun

With summer in full swing, my weekend plans mostly consist of finding time to get outdoors and get a tan. Since I’ll never actually get a golden bronze look naturally, I have to make due with the slightest of colour on my fair skin (as long as I have tan lines, I’m happy – that means I actually got some sun). With increased sun exposure though comes the need to keep your skin safe. Since skin cancer is a major concern, I always try to sport products with SPF in them so I can enjoy my time in the sun and not gain a sun hangover of sorts afterwards.

I have a ton of products from hair to skin that I’ve been using constantly now for sun exposure. It was hard to narrow it down to just five picks, but if you’re going to be spending some time outdoors this summer, I would look into these stellar products.

Sun Bum Sunscreen and Bali Body

Sun Bum SPF 30 Original Sunscreen Lotion

I’ve talked about this sunscreen a few times already on my blog, but I just love it so much. Whether it’s the coconut scent or the cute branding, I always find myself reaching for this sunscreen the most in my collection.

The Sun Bum SPF 30 Moisturizing Lotion Tube, 177ml formula protects your skin from the sun’s rays (available in 15, 30, 50, and 70 SPF formulas), and also contains Vitamin E, which helps to neutralize free radicals, the main cause of premature skin aging. The formula is also gluten free, paraben free, oil free, cruelty free and vegan.

Bali Body Natural Tanning and Body Oil

I’ve been following Bali Body on Instagram for a while now, and although the Australian brand is mostly e-commerce, they do sell some of their products in Bali itself. I was dying to try out their tanning oils so I made sure to stop at Gooseberry Intimates in Seminyak back when I was there in January to pick some up.

They have a variety of different formulas, but this one in particular is a natural sun tanning and body oil, which helps to give you a deep golden glow while also hydrating skin. It’s made with coconut, grape seed, jojoba, and more natural ingredients and contains SPF 6 (I apply this over top of the Sun Bum SPF 15). Since it’s an oil, you can also apply it during the day or night to hydrate skin. It doesn’t have a scent but definitely helps you achieve a tan. After one use, I found this gave me a darker colour than I normally would have gotten (and I didn’t even use it in Bali, this was Winnipeg sun!).

You can order their products online and they offer free, tracked shipping. Don’t let the little bottle fool you, there’s 110 ml of product in there (which unfortunately sucks if you were planning on just taking a carry on for your sun travels).

Olay Luminous Brightening & Protecting Lotion SPF 30

Since I ran out of my previous moisturizer, I’ve been reaching for the Olay Luminous Brightening & Protecting Lotion SPF 30 since a) P&G sent it over for me to try out and I’ve always been a fan of their moisturizers, and B) I like wearing a day cream with an SPF in it.
This particular moisturizer is very lightweight and absorbs quickly into your skin. Even though I may not be in the sun during the day for long, I still like to wear something with an SPF in it since your face often sports the first signs of aging (especially around the eye area since the skin is a little thinner there). This moisturizer helps to regenerate skin’s appearance and fades the look of dark spots over time. It also helps with premature aging thanks to the SPF.

Klorane Sun Lightening Spray with Chamomile and Honey

Okay this next one doesn’t actually contain SPF, but it’s still perfect for the season. Are you a blonde looking to go blonder? Klorane Sun Lightening Spray with Chamomile and Honey – Blond Hair , 4.22 fl. oz. can help make that happen.

This spray (there is also a shampoo and conditioner in the line as well – review coming soon!) infuses natural sunny highlights into blond to light brown hair. Remember Sun-In from your childhood? It’s kinda like that. With a combination of authentic chamomile and honey, this spray gradually lightens hair for the perfect summer look. It also acts as a treatment making hair look and feel softer. You can either apply it all over the hair or on select strands for a highlight effect.

CoverGirl Vitalist Elixir Foundation

Finally, if you’re going to a special event during the daytime this summer make sure you sport a foundation with an SPF in it. I have a few different foundations that offer an SPF, but one I’ve been loving and that gives you amazing coverage is the Covergirl Vitalist Elixir Foundation.

I actually did a whole review on this already, but this formula is infused with skincare ingredients and offers an SPF 20. It’s a full coverage foundation that corrects, protects, and perfects, plus feels lightweight. What else could you possible want?!

In case you haven’t caught on yet, the number-one thing to remember for summer beauty is make sure it has an SPF in it. Sun damage can take years to show up, so it’s best to prevent it early.

What are your favourite summer beauty products?

Please note, all products except Bali Body was provided by PR. All opinions are my own.

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