I’ve made peace with the fact that I’ll never again be tan. I spent my high school years in tanning beds and my 20’s smelling like Hawaiian Tropic’s beachy oil so I was always prepared to get golden. Now that I’m on the other side with lines and stubborn pigment issues, I typically dress like a damn bee keeper when I’m in the sun. This of course means that I cover my children in as much sunscreen as I can trying to save them from the same thing. Oh and cancer, especially melanoma which is particularly nasty.
One of my fave Colorado companies Mychelle sent over this cute bag and their newest suncare which reminded me to A. Replace the old sunscreen which had that ‘off’ smell after just a year and a half, and B. Keep this little SPF 50 stick in my purse so it’s always on me because when you have kids, you should have SPF with you at all times. This stick glides on so much better than my last one which is everything because you know how short the attention span is for kids and the whole sunscreen application. Last summer I would apply it while they were still strapped into their car seats! (That works BTW.) It’s a zinc formula so it gives a physical (chemical free) block, but it’s clear so you don’t get that white 80’s lifeguard thing.
I keep the SPF 30 spray in our mudroom so I can remember to put it on us right before we head out. There’s something about the spray that feels quick- it’s so easy to mist, blend, and go. It’s water resistant and also a clear zinc that’s invisible on the skin. I like that it isn’t sticky or scented and it’s one of the best as far as protection. Mychelle’s formulas are safe and a part of the EWG’s family of recommended sunscreens which is a huge plus.
That Cucumber Cooler Soothing Spray isn’t something I’d think to buy, but I really like it. It’s 99% aloe with cucumber and other soothing extracts that instantly cool and hydrate skin. It’s also free of GMO’s, gluten, parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sulfates, ureas, artificial fragrances, and artificial colors. And it’s vegan and cruelty-free. I’ve been keeping it in the shower and spraying it on while my skin is still damp so the moisture can really absorb. It’s quick and helpful in these hot, dry months.
Technically, sunscreens last between 2-3 years but it could be sooner if they’re exposed to higher temps which they almost always are. I get a new one every spring and use it like crazy throughout the year so I there’s rarely much (if any) left to replace. Check the date on yours too, it might be time.