Let the sun — and SPF — in with these products
“Here comes the sun” isn’t just a cool song. This time of year, it’s also a mantra. And with that seasonal sun peeking through, it’s time to get out there and enjoy it.
While protecting your skin, of course. I’m talking about extremely solid protection (think mineral sunscreens, many of which are upwards of SPF 30), and new technology that helps shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays while also acting as moisturizers, serums, bronzers, and other kinds of beautifiers.
A standout company on this front is Vacation — the cheeky brand that employs retro packaging reminiscent of the ‘60s and ‘70s. But when it comes to its formulas and approaches to summer skin, it couldn’t be more modern.
One of their most ingenious products is Shake Shake ($29 on vacation. inc). It’s an SPF 50 mineral milk which you blend by shaking (it’s got rollerball technology inside). Shake it more for a thinner liquid, less for thicker. What’s more, it moisturizes incredibly well — better than many everyday moisturizers. It’s also non-comedogenic, and safe for acneprone and sensitive skin.
That brings us to Super Stick ($24 on vacation. inc), the brand’s slim and smart little design that has a tip for precise application on your face. And it uses something called “Waterglide Technology,” which leaves a satin finish that enhances skin tone and looks great either under makeup or on its own.
Then there’s my other favorite new Vacation hero product. Instant Vacation ($24 on vacation.inc) is a tan-hued lotion that glides and blends into your skin and is buildable, so you know exactly how much you’re putting on. It comes with built-in SPF 30, and when it does bronze up, it’s a light formula so you look more sun-kissed than dramatically streaky or orange. As for that dreaded self-tanner smell, don’t worry. This formula has a subtle cocoa-hazelnut scent.
One of the most powerful agents we can introduce to our skin is a terrific serum. So imagine having a serum and an SPF in one, and you’ve got the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 ($48 on iliabeauty. com). It’s won multiple ecoawards for its triple punch of light coverage, mineral SPF, and dewy finish for an incredibly healthy (and healthy looking) complexion. It helps with redness, dryness, blemishes, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone over time. It’s also noncomedogenic, safe for sensitive skin, and formulated without fragrance, gluten, or silicone.
Also in the realm on multitasking: Ever’s Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum Sunscreen ($45 on ever.com). The UVA/UVB SPF 32 comes in six tints, from clear to dark, and owes its unusually good moisturizing capabilities to a big dose of Vitamin C that helps smooth expression lines and visibly brighten skin tone. It’s final magic trick: light-reflecting pigments that lend skin a luminous glow. And this being sunny season, reveling in your glow is the name of the game.