Spring has been a bit of a flirt this year. Just when you think it's here to stay, a freak snowstorm foils your plans. But make no mistake: not only is it spring but it's soon to be summer and I will be ready! You see, I knew Sarah Toller and her ultimately-futile battle with skin cancer changed my whole outlook. I've also seen There's Something About Mary. And Jersey Shore. And the Tanning Bed Mom. And apple dolls.
I'm a big believer in sunscreen. I recently took Vichy's Capital Soleil High Protection Suncare Oil SPF-30 on my Stella & Dot incentive trip to Tucson, AZ. I was incredibly impressed that it protects against UVB (which is what causes a burn) and both short and long UVAs (which have more long-term effects like ageing and cancer) and I adore that it's paraben-free. It's so brand new that it literally just hit store shelves this week but I can say that I have used and loved it.
And I don't think you should stop there! Applying sunscreen just isn't enough anymore so, for my face, I've taken a harder line. I've been using Phloretin CF, a SkinCeuticals antioxidant serum to restore my youthful glow.
In combination with Physical Fusion, SkinCeuticals' mineral-based tinted sunscreen, it protects your skin from UVA and UVB but also IRAs—Infrared A rays which penetrate into the dermal layer and break down all that plumpy collagen. Not to mention the Freckle Factor! The Phloretin CF actually diminishes age spots and accelerates the repair process keeping me all radiant and glowy.
But even all that's not enough for me. Whenever possible I opt for longer sleeves so I love tunics and popovers in gauzy fabrics, usually with a print. Old Navy has some cute tops in store right now and my personal favourite is this one, on sale for $18:
It's a great bathing suit cover-up but dressy enough to wear with a pair of capris or tiny little shorts in coral or white. I have received a ton of compliments on it!
Last, but certainly not least, I'm all about the hat and sunglasses combo. I won't go outside without some brimmed beast and giant goggles so that I stop the ageing process:
That hat was a $5 Marks Work Warehouse Gravenhurst special and it comes with me almost everywhere. And wherever possible, I try to make sure my sunglasses are polarized. I realize not everyone is one a first name basis with Theressa the eyewear specialist at the Holt Renfrew Yorkdale sunglass counter but if you are going to spend money on something, polarized sunglasses are a good investment. And size does matter! I like them to really cover as much of my face as possible so they block those stray rays. Stopping squinting alone can reduce crow's feet and frown lines.
After the fun I had in the sun all week with the Stella & Dot leaders and high-achievers, I can honestly say I cannot wait to romp around all summer long. I just need it to get here!
Printer-friendly version