Sun Care Essentials

Dear She She Me,
Am so going to miss our annual Memorial Day Beach Weekend this year. Tell me who I'm supposed to rank the beach do's and do not's with if you're off sunning elsewhere? I do suppose I'll get more reading done without being distracted by your 107 body contortions when re-applying sun block, adjusting your suit, and casually scoping out the boy scene, all while appearing to be completely focused on whatever financial jargon you're 'reading.' Yes, I knew what you were doing, as did most of the people surrounding our beach blanket that you entertained.

Without me (your milky-skinned friend) there to remind you to re-apply after 30 minutes you're going to need to bring a timer. Don't fool with the sun jolie, you needn't end up wrinkled before your time (FYI - sun exposure accounts for 80% of the wrinkles that surface). Plus who likes to look at a completely red person? The burn will eventually peel off in large sheets, and before you know it, you've left half your epidermis at the coffee shop! Eeeeww. That is not attractive and must be avoided at all costs. Sunbathing is so passé anyway. SSM, you really should just follow this formula: 1) spray tan (take your time with the barrier cream, it really is a barrier and you can end up looking quite funny), 2) apply loads of sun block (at least SPF 30) before you put on your teeny bikini, 3) sit under (all the way) a pretty beach umbrella, 4) re-apply after swimming, running or any other exertion OR every 30 minutes (you should need approximately one bottle per week), 5) don't forget to protect your scalp and hair with Banana Boat Hair & Scalp Protector Sunscreen Spray, SPF 15, 6) or your lips, 7) get a golden glow AFTER your day in (but out of) the sun with Dior Shimmering Glow Body Self Tanner. Trust me; it is as glamorous as it sounds.

I've had nearly twirty years of practice shielding my skin from the sun, so I've pretty much got the skinny on sun screen. I know this no-sun/fake-sun thing is new to you (sort of) and I don't want to take any chances with your health, so I've written it all down for you. Just head to the drugstore (surely you've found it by now) and stock up on these lotions below, along with a slew of celebrity mags, a juicy novel, an iPod mini, plenty of water, a chic cover-up and you should be fine. I'll text you periodically to make sure you're re-applying LIBERALLY and yes, even on a cloudy day.

For Face:

• Olay Complete Defense SPF 30 is an all-in-one (hence the 'complete' in the name) lotion that moisturizes while it protects from 97% of the sun's rays. It's designed for everyday use and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Enough said.
• Lancôme Soleil Expert Sun Care SPF 30 offers great protection (both UVA/UVB) from the sun. It's packed with vitamin E and is moisturizing, but not in a thick, greasy way.
• Bain de Soleil Oil-Free Protecteur Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 35(you got to give it to the French for knowing sun screen) will protect while hydrating your skin. And it smells delicious.

For Body:

• Banana Boat Maximum Sunblock Lotion, SPF 50 will make sure nothing gets through (with repeated application, of course) and is approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Cute bottle and smells nice too.
• Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 45 won't clog pores at all. It's lightweight, so you don't feel like you have a body sock on while at the beach.
• Forget awkward positions and sandy messes. Coppertone (a.k.a. old faithful) has upped the ante with their Continuous Spray SPF 30.
• Kiehl's Vital Sun Protection in SPF 40 is perfect for year-round activity and packs hydrating ingredients like soybean oil, aloe and vitamin E.

And she she me, I should mention that your skin (face particularly) needs to be protected everyday from the harsh rays of the sun. On top of that, please, please remember to wash your mascara off every night (I don't care what the Vogue interview from '02 with Linda Evangelista said,) and moisturize twice a day.

Chat soon.

xox,
Shop Girl

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