With spring break already here, and the summer months coming right around the corner, it’s time for our skin to be exposed to those warm sun rays yet again. Tanning is a popular summer activity and we all like to spend hours outside in the sun whether we’re at the beach or in our own backyard. But even when we aren’t directly making an effort to tan, our skin is still exposed to potentially harmful rays while we’re outside. Valley has a list of top beauty products that are wearable and also protect your skin from the sun.
What is SPF?
Before choosing a beauty product, it’s important to understand what ingredients you should be looking for. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, or the measure of how long you can be out in the sun while still protecting your body from UV rays. When browsing the sunscreen aisle, we usually never know the difference between SPF 15 and SPF 50. The higher the SPF, the longer estimate there is of you being able to be out in the sun. However, you also have to factor in the intensity of sunlight, your skin type and how well you apply the sunscreen. Slathering on the highest SPF you can find won’t guarantee sun protection if it isn’t applied correctly. Regardless of what type of sunscreen product you choose, it’s important to reapply evenly every two hours to ensure optimal protection from the sun.
BB Cream
Everyone’s heard about BB cream, but what exactly is it, and how do you wear it? BB Creams are a lighter, thinner form of liquid foundation that were created in order to further provide skin protection from the sun. They usually contain SPF and even antioxidants that work to make your skin healthy while still being able to get coverage from your makeup. They are also more moisturizing than other foundations. While these creams may be healthier to use than a regular foundation, they should not be a substitute for regular sunscreen. Using a BB cream is all about preference in your makeup, and some will provide better coverage than others. Here are some BB creams that can be a more healthy substitute to protect your skin from the sun:
1. Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35 (Sephora, $39)
2. NYX Cosmetics BB Cream (Amazon.com, $13)
3. Bobbi Brown BB Cream (Sephora, $46)
4. Burt’s Bees BB Cream with SPF 15 (Burtsbees.com, $15)
5. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream with SPF 30 (Target, $6.79)
Foundation
There are many foundations out there that are infused with SPF in order to protect your skin. It’s important to remember that applying regular sunscreen daily under your makeup is still the best way to avoid skin damage and even skin cancer. Believe it or not, the sun hitting your face through your car window is enough to age and damage your skin! Here are some foundation products that contain SPF and can be helpful to keep your skin happy and healthy:
1. Clinique’s Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum Foundation with SPF 15 (Ulta, $28)
2. Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40 (Nordstrom, $65)
3. Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm with SPF 20 (Sephora, $14)
4. Shiseido UV Protection Liquid Foundation (Sephora, $36)
5. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation SPF 15 (Sephora, $39)
Many of us don’t break out the sunscreen until we’re already at the beach, but by then our skin is already being exposed to harmful rays that can cause permanent damage. Take steps to prevent sun damage, and choose makeup that will provide some extra coverage while also feeling comfortable and wearable out in the sunlight!
