As a fair-skinned, blue-eyed redhead, if there’s one thing I have a legit claim to being “expert” at, it’s sun management. I’m your go-to girl for recommendations on sunscreen, self-tanners, cute sunglasses and chic sun hats. Pretty much anything related to looking and feeling gorgeous when having fun in the sun.
It wasn’t always this way. Sadly, SuthinGirl has felt the sting of a sunburn far too many times to keep count. I grew up on the coast and have always enjoyed life in and around the water. My love-hate relationship with the sun started at an early age. First, there were the accidental sunburns at the beach and pool when I was little. My poor parents! Sunscreens had a max SPF of mayyyybe 20 and weren’t even waterproof back then.
Later on in my teenage years there were the dumb, dumb, seriously dumb sunburns that I brought on myself thinking I could somehow alter my DNA if I laid out in the sun long enough with my tan girlfriends. Ouch! It’s hard to think back on those days without feeling like, well, an idiot.
Since then, sunscreen and I have come a long way together. There’s the fact that I now wear it which is always a plus, but I’ve also found amazing sun care products that have transformed what used to feel like a pain-in-the-butt obligation into a luxury beauty experience. I’ve wholeheartedly embraced fair skin and red hair as my look; it differentiates me from most other girls and that’s a gift I’ve grown to appreciate.
You know by now how much I love my beauty products! The fragrances, textures, and variety of today’s sun care products have completely lured me in. Here are my go-to’s when I’m beach bound, heading to the pool, or lucky enough to score a day with family out on a boat.
These products have a fresh fragrance with a hint of citrus which is a natural insect repellent. There’s just enough scent to keep the mosquitos away but you don’t smell like a citronella candle.
Clarins 50 SPF Sunscreen for Face Wrinkle Control Cream
Clarins Sunscreen Cream High Protection SPF 30
Clarins Sunscreen Stick for Sun-Sensitive Areas SPF 30
Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Sunscreen SPF 70 for Kids (Not just for kiddos!)
Hampton Sun Serious Shimmer Cooling Spray Bronze
I just ordered this product today. SuthinGirl love loves anything that delivers a bit of sparkle. I’m totally intrigued by its promise of a hint of temporary color. I’ll let you know!
Hampton Sun After Sun Moisturizer
Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Hydrating Aloe
Alright, alright, I’ll admit it. I’ve dabbled in the world of self-tanners a time or two. (With varied results!) C’mon, you can’t blame me for being a little curious about them! If you’re like me and you have absolutely zero pigment (save freckles) to build upon, it’s essential to find products that apply evenly and don’t end up looking overly dramatic once they’ve set. Here are my picks.
Love the texture of these products because they glide on and leave behind a bit of color so you get instant gratification and can see where in the heck you put it. The smell isn’t as bad as others I’ve tried and fades quickly. Another plus: doesn’t stain.
Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion
Comes in Light/Medium and Medium/Dark. For obvious reasons, I have no idea about the latter. 
Clinique Self Sun Face Tinted Lotion
I mix a teensy touch of this with my facial moisturizer once a week and it gives me a nice glow that lasts a few days. I’ve found it tends to be a bit drying to my skin so I use my face cream versus a lighter face lotion when applying.
I may be addicted to sunglasses. With over a dozen pairs in rotation, I’m kind of thinking I am. I love cat-eye frames and pops of color. Here are my current faves.
Kate Spade Ziba Cat Eye Sunglasses
Kate Spade Ziba Cat Eye Sunglasses
Kate Spade Genettes Sunglasses
The Zibas are getting harder to find so I thought I’d show you these Genettes. Like the Zibas, they are cat-eye shape with a fun retro look. I like the minimal frame and they’re very lightweight. There’s a fun colorblock Genette in white and black that I have my eye on! (See above)
I can’t say enough about my love for these sunnies! I have the bright blue pair and feel so chic when I wear them!!! They traveled with me on my spring trip to Berlin and Prague, and looked quite at home among all the uber stylish frames those trendy euros sport!
Bvlgari Diva Sunglasses These will be mine one day, oh yes, they will be miiiiine.
I’ve got these in a turquoise color from a few seasons back and love that the serpenti enamel on the temples feels like I’m wearing a piece of statement Bvlgari jewelry. Serpentis will dress up anything you’re wearing…including a tank top and shorts to the grocery store…without being too-too.
All of us ladies know that wearing a hat is a must for keeping our faces from buying a cheap day-pass to the World of Accelerated Aging when we’re spending time in the sun. There are so many pretty ones to choose from but I strongly recommend investing in a high-quality sun hat that can survive being packed up in a suitcase!
When you purchase one of his hats you know you’re getting the best of the best. They’re made from his signature Squishee® material so you can pack them in your suitcase and they’ll spring back to their original shape when you get to where you’re going. Like the ad says, “The man-made fibers are woven to resemble straw but are much more comfortable, flexible and durable.” Exxxactly. So go ahead and get yours wet, stuff it into your beach bag…you’ll look amazing and will enjoy your hat without a care!
I ADORE this uniquely shaped hat. I have it with a white ribbon accent (see my foxy photo above) and it’s my go-to almost every time I’m headed to the beach or pool. I love that you can comfortably wear your hair in a ponytail because the hat has room in the back to accommodate rather than squish. Sure, the price makes it an investment piece (ka-ching$) but I’ve had mine for several years, packed it up in a suitcase (which you know I sit on to get zipped) dozens of times, and it still looks fresh and has held its shape!
Eric Javits GG Dame II Packable Sun Hat
Beautiful hat made from raffia. Probably won’t pack well so be careful. But a great price point and so pretty!
The description of this hat says it’s made of paper?!? Soooo, I’m not sure what to say about its care and keeping. But it sure is gorg (looks like an Eric Javits!) and I love love the hot pink ribbon trim!
You’re almost set to go play in the sunshine! You just need something stylish for carrying all your sexy sun care, sunnies and hats around! Here is my fave line of bags perfect for the beach, pool and boat.
Made in Maine from recycled sails so they’re incredibly durable and very distinctive in design. You probably won’t bump into another girl carrying one…which you know SuthinGirl loves! Sea Bags totes come in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large and X-Large. I have the Large size which is plenty roomy and it fits everything I need for my family of five. Be sure to give your email when you checkout and get 10% off your order!
You’re all set to enjoy some outdoor summertime adventures both stylishly and safely!
Send SuthinGirl a pic of your gorgeous self having fun in the sun! xx
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