NO EXCUSES!!! Sun Protection for Everyone! (A Product Roundup)

Summer may be coming to an end, but sun protection is essential year round! Regardless of your race, skin tone, and geography-make sure you are lathering up with sunscreen every day and often! Here are a few of my favorite brands, formulas, and even some soothing after sun solutions!



I featured a selection of Neutrogena sun protection products here {products sent for review}, and months later, they still remain some of my favorites. There is such a wide variety of levels of SPF and formulas: there are sprays, lotions, and sticks, sheer, water resistant, and baby/kid varieties. Plus you can find a selection at just about any drugstore. {Featured in the roundup: Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70 $9.99, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 100+ $11, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 4 Pack - 3 oz each $28 all available at target.com}

Hawaiian Tropic {I came out of pocket for the lotion and the spray was sent to me by PR} has long been a favorite of mine! The smell of the products is synonymous with summer time fun and I feel like a total babe when I slather on the sunscreen {probably because of a subconscious connection between the products and the now defunct Hawaiian Tropics Beauty Pageant}. The lotion used to be my favorite {something that they do with the formula makes it so light yet moisturizing and it doesn't leave that white cast on your skin}, and while I still love it, I do believe that the spray has taken its place in my heart.  Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Clear Mist Spray Sunscreen, is a convenient spray SPF that combines nourishing antioxidants, an unmistakable tropical fragrance and a lightweight, water resistant formula that feels incredible on the skin. It comes in SPF 15 and 30, and leaves skin moisturized for 12-hours. You really can't beat the ease and convenience of spray formulas, especially when it comes to applying it to little people who don't want to be still while you rub lotion in. And the After Sun lotion is a soothing, delightful smelling treat!  Great to ease sun burns and peels - Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun, the first and only after sun product combining indulgent ribbons of aloe and lotion infused with silk protein and shea butter, provides luxurious moisturization for a full 24 hours, the perfect remedy after a day in the sun.

Ah... Sun Bum {a variety of products were sent for consideration}! It started with the lip balm {I featured them as part of my Top 10 Lip Balms}but the goodness so does not end there! Sun Bum began creating high quality brand of sun care products specifically formulated for people "who live and love in the sun" in 2010. And even though you can find their stellar line of products in national retailers like Ulta, they remain a small company based in Cocoa Beach, Florida. As a brand, they truly embody the essence of the outdoor lifestyle, while keeping the focus on protecting everyone from the harmful dangers of the sun. This is the sunscreen I trust enough to give to Peyton to carry with her in her purse so that she stays sun protected even when she's away from me.  {Featured in the roundup: Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion $16, Sun Bum PRO SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick $15, Sun Bum Pomegranate Lip Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 30 $4, and Sun Bum 'Cool Down' Aloe Spray $12- all available at nordstrom.com}

Adventuress was a total "brand new to me" brand {products sent for review}, but boy was I happy to have these handy wipes while we were on the Jersey Shore! Adventuress (Youvee's) Sunscreen Wipes ($24 via www.goadventuress.com) are individually wrapped with just the exact dosage, and provide your skin with the protection it needs against UVA/UVB rays. Uniquely packaged in a sealed finger pocket, the fragrance and paraben free swipes were a godsend  for reapplying SPF at the beach {especially on the girls} with no greasy residue left on hands or fingers. The Fearlessly Refreshing Facial Wipes ($22 via www.goadventuress.com) allow you to quickly freshen up anywhere, anytime! These easily transportable and biodegradable towelettes cleanse, soothe and hydrate skin. The wipes contain seven plant extracts that protect against redness and irritation caused by environmental factors. In addition, they help reduce the appearance of sun spots and can double as a make-up removing wipe.

Wearing sunscreen prevents sunburn, cell damage, and premature signs of aging. So why use a sunscreen full of harmful ingredients?  Lavanila’s The Healthy Sunscreen offers a highly nourishing and safe alternative to chemical-laden formulas. The Healthy Sunscreen Collection (ranging from $28-$38 and available at sephora.com) is perfect for sensitive skin. These fragrance-free, ultra-sheer formulas glide on smoothly without the typical white residue often found in sunscreen. There's even a Healthy Baby Sunscreen {that I use on the girls regularly}, so the entire family can get the ultimate in natural SPF protection.

Finally, the newest in my sun protection arsenal comes from L'Oreal. I shared this in my "Magazine Haul" a little while ago, and it has fast become one of my go to's. If you couldn't tell, I'm a fan of spray formulas and I really enjoy this non aerosol version. L'Oreal Paris Sublime Suncreen Oil Spray SPF 30 ($9.99 at Target) stands out in this crowd because of its unique and innovative formula. It is one of the first High SPF protection oils on the market! This high performance sun protection oil is powered by an exclusive patented UV filtering system to deliver long-lasting broad-spectrum protection in a unique, lightweight non-greasy spray. It’s also infused with powerful antioxidants like vitamin E and white grape seed that enhance the benefits of sunscreen to help keep skin healthy and youthful-looking.

This is the arsenal of sun protection I brought with us to the beach while in New Jersey!

Whether you’re at the beach or just sitting near a window in your office, applying sunscreen regularly is vital to maintaining healthy skin, and it can actually save your life. The sun is getting brighter, there is less protective ozone and people are spending more time outdoors. And, due to global climate changes, the spring season starts earlier and fall arrives later. This means we are exposed to more dangerous UV rays now than in earlier decades. With all of the options available to us, there really is no excuse for skipping sunscreen. What's your sunscreen of choice and why? My inquiring mind wants to know! Leave a comment below and let me know what you're thinking! Until next time...