3. Choose the sunscreen you’ll actually use
Sorry, but scrimping on sunscreen application for one reason or another is where we miss the safety boat. We say it feels too greasy or tacky, messes with our makeup, leaves a weird film or causes us to break out (yes, even at 50!). Start over and focus on “feel-good” words such as clear, sheer, glow or hydrating on the package, and then look for extra ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides and antioxidant vitamins that benefit mature skin. When choosing between mineral and chemical formulas, know that mineral sunscreens — like Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Cream SPF 46 ($39, dermstore.com) or Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Drops SPF 50 ($14, target.com) — sit on the skin as a barrier and deflect UV rays. They’re light, sheer and a good choice for those with sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema. Chemical formulas, such as Eucerin Age Defense Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ($18, cvs.com) or Sun Bum Glow Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($16, target.com), absorb UV rays and are a good choice for dry or combo skin. Both mineral and chemical sunscreens work like a charm. The important thing is to find an SPF 30+ that you’ll really use without fail.
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(Left to right) IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum SPF 40; Dermablend Continuous Correction CC Cream SPF 50+; Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Sunscreen Powder Brush SPF 30; Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Ulta Beauty (2); Target; Dermstore
4. When to apply sunscreen in addition to SPF-infused makeup
The cosmetic industry has added higher SPFs to new makeup formulas. In fact, many women have started using daily tinted moisturizers and CC creams with SPF 30+ instead of applying a separate sunscreen. That’s great if you’re truly going to be mostly indoors all day, but since makeup is applied more sheerly than actual sunscreen keep that in mind and don’t just apply a heavier coat. A CC cream like the IT Cosmetics CC+ Nude Glow Lightweight Foundation + Glow Serum SPF 40 ($42, ulta.com) or Dermablend Continuous Correction CC Cream SPF 50+ ($39, ulta.com) unlike lower SPF makeups does provide a trifecta of hydration, coverage and high SPF protection. Your makeup will last beautifully. If, however, you end up hitting an outdoor cafe for lunch, going to an outdoor mall or catching a ball game, then be sure to add a sunscreen touch-up like the Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Skin Nourishing Sunscreen Powder Brush SPF 30 ($17, target.com) or Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 ($69, dermstore.com).
(Left to right) Neutrogena Mineral Ultra Sheer Face and Body Sunscreen Stick SPF 50; CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50; Coola Organic Liplux Classic Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30; Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick + Sunscreen SPF 30
Target (2); Ulta Beauty; CVS
5. Be wary of windows, clouds and shade
It’s easy to sit under an awning, take a walk on a misty day or drive to visit the kids with the A/C blasting and feel safe from the sun. You’re not. Glass windows in cars (sides, back and sunroof included), on planes and buses and at homes may protect you fairly well from sunburn but leave you vulnerable to UVA rays — the ones that cause wrinkles and skin cancer. You still need sunscreen in all the above situations, as well as reapplications of it, too. Make sure you get ears, neck and hands in addition to your face — the spots most visible in these situations — and wear an SPF 30 lip balm. Sunscreen sticks like the Neutrogena Mineral Ultra Sheer Face and Body Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 ($13, target.com) or CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 ($10, target.com) and lip balms like the Coola Organic Liplux Classic Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30 ($10, ulta.com) or Aquaphor Lip Repair Stick + Sunscreen SPF 30 ($10 for two-pack, cvs.com) are perfect travel-size sunscreens and stowaways for pockets and handbags.
(Left to right) Gap Crinkle Gauze Boatneck Button-Front Top in Poolside Blue; Chico’s Notch Neck Linen Tunic in Amparo Blue; Loft Emory Taper Pants in Chambray
Gap; Chico's; LOFT
6. Wear breathable fabrics
You don’t need UPF-protected clothing for everyday wear, but you do need clothes that allow sweat to evaporate and keep you cool and feeling fresh. Your best bets are cotton and cotton jersey knits like the Gap Crinkle Gauze Boatneck Button-Front Top in Phoebe Pink, Poolside Blue or New Off-White ($60, gap.com); linen like the Chico’s Notch Neck Linen Tunic in Amparo Blue ($70, chicos.com); chambray like the Loft Emory Taper Pants in Chambray ($70, loft.com), which gives a denim look but feels lighter; and seersucker. Stay away from nylon, acrylic and polyester, anything tight with spandex, and even so-called “lite” faux leather. All trap heat, moisture and body odors. And here’s a protection tip: Apply body sunscreen before you dress and let it dry a couple of minutes. If you dress first and try to work around the edges, you’ll inevitably end up with stains.
(Clockwise from top left) Skechers Arch Fit – City Catch in Mocha; Comfortiva Chelsea Sandals in Black; Easy USA Women’s Mesh Top Water Shoes in Neon Orange; Vifuur Water Sports Shoes in Black
Zappos (2); SwimOutlet; Amazon
7. Keep feet healthy in sandals
It’s our chance to walk barefoot, do our pool exercises, kick back on the boardwalk and show off a pedicure at the pool. But then again, there’s the scalding sand that burns our soles (not to mention hidden bits of rock, shards of glass and plastic, sharp shells), as well as the super unhygienic locker and restroom floors that are a breeding ground for germs and athlete’s foot. So remember to slather sunscreen on your feet — ankles, toes, between toes, tops of feet (even bottoms if you flip over for a snooze in the sun). Wear supportive sandals with thick contoured soles and mesh uppers — like the Skechers Arch Fit – City Catch in Mocha ($70, zappos.com) or Comfortiva Chelsea Sandals in Black ($100, zappos.com) — instead of flimsy flip-flops. Keep them on in wet common areas like locker and restrooms, beachside bars and restaurants. Try aqua shoes like the Easy USA Women’s Mesh Top Water Shoes in Neon Orange or Neon Blue ($20, swimoutlet.com) or Vifuur Water Sports Shoes in Black, Blackstripes or White ($16, amazon.com) for scratchy pool/lake/ocean bottoms.
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