Beat the tropical heat with these sun-shielding beauty strategies.
Beat the tropical heat with these sun-shielding beauty strategies.
Necklace, Chanel
SHIELD AGAINST LIGHT
When picking a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) formula, always reach for a broad spectrum one that provides equal protection against UVB and UVA wavelengths, which contribute to sunburn and skin cancer, and DNA damage respectively. While many recommend you re-apply every two to four hours, it really depends on your skin type. If your bare skin takes 10 minutes to start feeling the burn, then the SPF rating would basically multiply that amount of time to roughly tell you how long your skin will stay protected. So SPF15 should shield you for 150 minutes, while SPF50 will shield for 500 minutes.
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Freckle facts: Sun exposure triggers them and can create new ones; they are often inherited; and they can fade away “naturally” with thorough care and protection. To properly treat them, identify if they’re freckles or sun spots, which are caused by UV damage. From retin A and glycolic acid to vitamin C, potent topical formulas can help to lighten freckles by provoking a skin-renewal response, but only procedures like a simple laser treatment or photorejuvenating facial using IPL can fully—and swiftly—remove them.
HAIR RAISING
We’re quick to reach for sunblock to protect the skin and slip on a pair of sunglasses to protect the eyes, but we often forget to shield our scalps and tresses when they are actually just as susceptible to sun damage. UV rays can have destructive effects on your crowning glory—and lead to breakage, dryness, dullness—even worse if you have chemically treated or coloured tresses. Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil boasts a free radical-fighting blend of green tea extract and vitamin E while shea butter provides smoothing moisture. The same goes for IGK’s Blocked, which is formulated with natural balms to seal strands off from the harmful effects of chlorine, salt water and UV rays—keeping you silky smooth as you have fun in the sun, sand and sea.
Top, 3.1 Phillip Lim. Earring, Julie Thevenot
RESTING BEACH FACE
While wearing sunscreen is non-negotiable, an extra (not alternative) step to turning up your sun protection is makeup with SPF. A leader in the sun care category, Supergoop! recently launched Shimmershade, a cream eye shadow with SPF30 in scintillating shades like First Light and Sunset. Then there’s Tom Ford’s Glow Tone Up Foundation SPF 40/PA+++ Hydrating Cushion Compact, IT Cosmetics’ CC+ Bronzer SPF50, and Eyeko’s Beach mascara, formulated with sunscreen, conditioning coconut oil and waterproof pigments so that you can frolic in the water and still look fabulous while doing so. Set all this in with Soleil Toujours’ Organic Set + Protect Micro Mist that locks in makeup with a dewy finish and invisible, broad spectrum SPF30.
Photographed by Yulia Gorbachenko.
Styled by Sandy Armeni
Model: Alexandra Agoston/IMG Models
Makeup: Justine Purder/Streeters
Hair: Peter Gray
Creative director: JP Micallet
Location: Atix Hotel, La Paz Bolivia; Hotel Palacio de Sal, Uyuni, Bolivia
