7 Ways to Look Good and Stay Protected from the Sun
Summer is finally here! That means it’s time to get out of the house and enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. Summer is the perfect time to go on family vacations or just stay local and enjoy some poolside barbeques. As much as we all look forward to the summer months, there is the daunting challenge of balancing sun protection, makeup, and fashion. If you’re ready to look good and (safely!) soak up the sun, take note of these helpful hints.
1. Sunscreen
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that sunscreen is the first item on the list. If you want to wear that new swimsuit—without looking like a lobster—you need to apply plenty of sunscreen. Working on getting a glowing tan this summer? You still need to apply SPF to protect against burns. It might take a little bit longer to get that bronze tone you desire, but you’ll worry less about developing skin cancer down the road. The higher a sunscreen’s SPF, the longer it will protect your skin from sun damage.
2. Makeup
One of the biggest challenges of looking good during the summer is finding the balance between sunscreen and makeup. Fortunately, there are a variety of makeup products that include UV protection. While it’s not a bad idea to apply sunscreen to your face before makeup, powder sunscreen will save you the trouble as you touch up throughout the day. Buying powdered sunscreens made from minerals and natural ingredients reduces your exposure your to harsh chemicals.
3. Clothing
When it comes to deciding on summer outfits, it’s important to know your natural complexion. If you burn easily, consider passing on that sleeveless floral dress when the sun is at its brightest. While you can cover your exposed skin with sunscreen, sometimes it’s better to wear light, full-length clothing for increased protection. Silk scarves, shawls, and leggings are all great items when it comes to staying cool and protected from the sun at the same time. Jeans are always stylish no matter what the season is, but you could end up sweating too much if the weather is hot enough. If you don’t burn easily, nothing is off limits as long as you apply enough sunscreen—so don’t be afraid to flaunt that floral wrap dress at your friend’s poolside barbeque.
4. Hats
Wide-brimmed sun hats are a must-have for any beach getaway or Sunday outing at the farmers market. Best of all, sun hats pair with most outfits. Consider wearing a flowy skirt and a crop top, with your sun hat for that laid back casual summer look. The frayed baseball cap has made an impressive comeback in both men and women’s fashion; you can also pair a Nike ball cap with a plain white T-shirt and some black skinny jeans to give you that posh European look.
5. Sunglasses
Your skin isn’t the only thing you need to worry about getting damaged by the sun; UV rays from the sun can also burn and damage your eyes as well. Pick up some stylish sunglasses from Tory Birch or Gucci to go with your wide-brimmed sun hat. Sunglasses are the perfect universal accessory that easily enhance any ensemble. However, you should avoid colors like teal and bright pink; black sunglasses are the best to match outfits with.
6. Shoes or Sandals
Sandals and flip-flops are ideal for keeping your feet cool during the warm summer months. However, they don’t offer the same amount of sun protection that shoes do. If you’re going to wear sandals, make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen so that you don’t get an awkward tan line or burn the tops of your feet. Whatever you do, don’t wear socks with your sandals—it’s considered a cardinal sin in the world of fashion.
7. Moisturizer
With enough sun exposure, your skin can become dry and irritated. Consider picking up some moisturizer with vitamin E and aloe vera to protect and revitalize your skin after or before extended periods of sun exposure. You plan on showing off some skin this summer, right? Make sure your complexion stays glowing and vibrant with the right moisturizing creams and lotions.
Keep these helpful tips in mind to stay protected from the sun while looking your best this summer.