Top 5 Sunscreens
I’d love to say that I’m a serious sun addict, but in today’s day and age, it would be irresponsible of me to condone that kind of behaviour. I can’t let myself completely relax outdoors unless I know I’m covered head-to-toe in the proper UV protection. I teach my kids the importance of sunscreen and I practice what I preach!
Don’t get me wrong, I love the sun as much as the next girl. I love the bronzed after-glow of sitting in the blistering heat and I love soaking in the sun as I relax and read a magazine by the pool or at the beach. As I get older, and therefore wiser, I just don’t care to subject myself to the potential harm of the rays and of course the sun damage and visible signs of aging that sun-bathing incurs.
I’ve lined up some amazing products here – a few sunscreens and 1 amazing post-sun oil, (because once you’ve been sun-kissed, you have to preserve the glow!).
Skinceuticals
Sheer Physical UV Defense
The Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense sunscreen is a broad spectrum sunscreen that has a natural, transparent finish. It glides on weightlessly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue behind. It’s got an SPF of 50, so it’s for serious screening… think vacation sun. The Skinceuticals products are fantastic – this particular sunscreen has Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide which boosts the skin’s natural defenses, making it safe for both face and body. I’ve noticed my skin is pretty dry as I go back and forth from hot climates to cold Montreal. It’s as though the Skinceutical developers knew what I needed, because the Sheer Physical UV Defense was formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Colorescience
Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-One Shield
This sunscreen is unbelievable! I mean, it works well and that’s amazing, but what’s incredible is the technology and how innovative this sun stick is. Basically, the Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield is a portable sunscreen that you apply with the built-in brush. You click it a few times so the powder makes its way to the bristles and then you just seep it along the face and neck for SPF 50 coverage. It’s super convenient and comes in 4 different shades to match your complexion. Colorescience is legit a pioneer in the sunscreen industry, and did I mention the packaging is super cute?
Bioderma
Photoderm Milk
We’ve seen a few sunscreens, but the Bioderma Photoderm Milk SPF +50 differentiates itself from leading market formulas because this one is more of a lotion. It stimulates your skin’s natural defense against the sun by building a double barrier against the danger of UV rays, which is essential in my case because of all the sun spots i have on my chest! I apply this sunscreen as damage control! Aside from all of the obvious visible signs the sun causes our skin, the Bioderma Photoderm Milk SPF +50 protects against environmental aggressors, which by the way, there are plenty! We should all wear a daily sunscreen, so why not lather one on that encourages a natural immunity against the sun?
Coola
Citrus Mimosa
The Citrus Mimosa by Coola is like a party in a spray can! It smells like a mix of cucumber, raspberry and strawberry and is served up with a broad-spectrum reach. The all-natural sunscreen (yup, it’s made from 70% organic ingredients!) works to protect against the sun’s UV and it’s also packed with anti-aging benefits. Nourishing, repairing, protecting… Citrus Mimosa serves up a tall order and seriously delivers, and luckily it’s a virgin mimosa, because I slather this sunscreen to protect my kids from the sun too! I bring this one with me on every trip because it works super well, it’s super easy to smooth on and it’s water-resistant.
Institut Esthederm
Sun Bronz
I’m constantly looking for ways to preserve my glow. I’ve tried a bunch of stuff, but honestly, the Sun Bronz by Institut Esthederm is the best I’ve used so far. It nourishes the skin (and hair!) and helps your tan appear more luminous and radiant. It has a satin finish and if that weren’t enough, it also reduces the appearance of wrinkles and promotes a healthy dose of hydration! Replenishing the skin’s natural moisture post-sun is essential to ensuring you don’t dry out (think raisins, ladies), plus it smells delicious!
I don’t mess around when it comes to my skin and I’m very aware of all the dangers of the sun, so I’ve pretty much taken it upon myself to become the expert on this! Sun damage is a real thing and these products all work to protect our skin… so start lathering up because summer is coming!
Photography by Patrick Brochu