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Your Summer Sunscreen Strategy

Sunscreen. If the word alone is enough to provoke a twinge of guilt, you’re not alone. We all know we should be wearing sun protection daily, rain or shine—that is, if we’d like to prevent wrinkles, age spots, and more serious afflictions. And yet, unless we’re headed to the beach or pool, far too many of us tend to skip it even though we know we shouldn’t. Hence, the twinge of guilt.

So what to do? Ask yourself what’s really stopping you, because the key to sticking with a shatter-proof sun-protection regime is finding one you want to use. We asked around the office, found the guilty parties, and asked exactly why they had skipped the ‘screen today. And then we found solutions. You’re welcome.

Excuse #1: I don’t have time

The fix: If time (or, let’s be honest, effort) is the issue, then find a sunscreen that can replace a product you always use anyway—like moisturizer. This also takes care of the wait time between layers of product.

Try: Avène SPF50 Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion for face and body, $30.

Excuse #2: It looks/feels greasy or I’m concerned about breakouts

The fix: Sunscreen has come a very long way in the past decade, and most facial sunscreen products are non-comedogenic. For oily types, a mattifying sunscreen has an added benefit of absorbing shine, and keeping skin feeling fresh.

Try: SkinCeuticals Physical Matte UV Defense SPF 50, $34.

Excuse #3: Melt, pilling, or migrating makeup

The fix: Multiple product layers can make sunscreen feel like a major inconvenience, and contribute to a super slippery complexion. Solve this with a sunscreen/primer combo, and if you’re serious about a flawless finish, consider switching foundations to one from the same brand. (They were literally made for each other.)

Try: Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Protect Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen, $43.

Excuse #4: Sensitive skin/Chemical concerns

The fix: A physical sunscreen (one where minerals like zinc and titanium dioxide reflect the rays) tends to be better-tolerated by those with sensitive skin.

Try: Tarteguard 30 Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $38.

Excuse #5: I’m not going to reapply, so what’s the point?

The fix: Here’s an important tip: those instructions to “reapply every 2 hours?” Those two hours only include hours you’re actually spending in the sun. (Of course, if you’re sweating or swimming, that’s another story.) Try a stick foundation formula, so when your routine makeup touch-up comes around, you’ll be touching up your sunscreen, too.

Try: Shiseido UV Protective Stick Foundation SPF 37, $35.

 

 

Feature image by Bernhard Lang/Getty Images

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