I like to think of myself as a smart person, usually, but we all have our moments. One of mine was on Sunday, when my friends and I got so excited about the first truly warm, sunny weekend of the season that we went to Prospect Park to people-watch (and dog-watch). I, the palest person alive, did not put on any sunscreen. You can imagine how that went for me.
Thankfully the results aren’t detectable under a little bit of makeup, but the first sunburn scare of the year was enough to get me thinking about what I need to stock up on for the months ahead. Since most of you are likely in the same boat, I compiled my research (and a few fave products from years past) into what you see below: a comprehensive guide on how to protect every part of your body from sun damage.
Aveda Sun care Protective Hair Veil
$28 via Nordstrom
If you’ve ever looked, you’ve probably realized that hair products don’t have SPF like skin products do. That doesn’t mean they can’t protect the sun, though; this one has UVA and UVB filters to block out sun exposure and anti-oxidizing properties to help maintain hair color.
Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Eye Cream SPF 20
$39.50 via Macy’s
Eye cream with significant SPF can be a little tricky to find, mostly because traditional SPF ingredients tend to make people’s eyes sting. This one’s the real deal, though–a good moisturizer with reliable protection.
Dior Diorskin Forever Liquid Foundation SPF 25
$50 via Macy’s
This is my personal favorite when it comes to full-coverage foundation because it doesn’t look cake-y, feel heavy or dry out my skin. That it has SPF is an added bonus (and an appreciated one).
Estée Lauder Crescent White BB and Brightening Cream SPF 50
$50 via Macy’s
The shade range in this product is unfortunately limited (as in, there is only one shade), but it does a little bit of everything, includes a separate illuminating product in the cap and has just about the biggest SPF you’ll find in color cosmetics.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 40
$30 via Sephora
First Aid Beauty’s full line of skincare products are straightforward, effective, gentle on sensitive skin and relatively well-priced. If you’ve found yourself irritated by high-SPF facial sunscreens in the past, this is the one to try.
Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
$22.50 via Sephora
A lot of people forget their lips when it comes to applying sun protection. This widely beloved balm has just enough to do the trick, plus it comes in a huge array of colors. Added bonus: the top screws on, so it won’t come open in your purse.
Hampton Sun SPF 55 Continuous Mist Sunscreen Spray
$32 via Net-a-Porter
This is what I use when I head to the beach. If it can keep me from turning into a baked potato, then it can do the same for you. That, I can promise.
Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Advanced Lipcolor SPF 12
$30.50 via Macy’s
Lip balms with SPF are relatively easy to find; vivid lipsticks are significantly more difficult. This one comes in nearly 40 different shades.
MD Solar Sciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
$18 via Anthropologie
Sometimes you don’t know you’re going to need sunscreen before you actually need it, but sunscreen is not the kind of thing that’s easy to carry in your purse every day. That’s why this little stick is so perfect: it won’t spill, it doesn’t take up too much room and it’ll protect you on an impromptu post-brunch jaunt to the park.
Perricone MD No Concealer Concealer SPF 35
$35 via Sephora
All of Perricone MD’s color cosmetics come with SPF, which makes them ideal for people with fair skin, a family history of skin cancer or concerns over sun damage. That this one can be used to target the sensitive eye area makes it a must-have.
Sunday Riley Cashmere SPF 30 Facial Sunscreen
$125 via Anthropologie
This product is pricey, but boutique skincare brand Sunday Riley is known for impeccable quality. It promises a streak-free finish under makeup, so if you’re looking for the perfect final result, this is the way to go.
