1. Fake tan.
By now, everyone should know just how bad the sun truly is for your skin. Aside from the fact that it ages you -- turning you into what can only be described as a cross between beef jerky and a leather handbag, it holds a lot of negative side effects for your health, as well. Exposure to the sun can cause sunburn, which in turn can lead to the development of cancers, whether that is basal cell carcinoma, or something even more deadly like melanoma. My advice? Avoid baking your skin in the sun and instead use a quality fake tanner to achieve that bronzed glow.
My favorite: Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse Ultra Dark. Click Here.
Price: $40. Free shipping anywhere in U.S.!
Loving Tan gives you that deep dark brown color you are looking for from your days poolside, without the nasty side effects, and it has been my go-to product for a gorgeous tan, thus far, this summer.
2. Sunscreen.
This may seem self explanatory, but for some reason people seem to still misuse what has now become a staple in all summer activity. You must apply sunscreen every three hours while out in the sun, or even more frequently if you are doing strenuous activity or the product calls for otherwise, and it is recommended that you apply the sunscreen at least half an hour before exposing your skin to the harsh summer rays. Anything over SPF 30 has been proven no more effective.
My favorite: Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen. Click Here.
Price: Around $10 (varies based on location).
This is my favorite sunscreen and I have used it for several summers. It works as both a lotion and a sunscreen, providing hydration to your skin from the drying sun, while simultaneously protecting it from damage.
3. After-Sun Lotion.
Even when avoiding sun tanning and wearing sunscreen, sunburn can sometimes be inevitable. The best way to help repair your damaged skin and keep your sunburn from peeling would be to treat and take care of it properly. The best way I have found to soothe and recover from sunburn quickly has been after-sun lotions. With a mix of aloe and other skin nourishing ingredients, they do a good job at repairing and soothing your sun chapped skin, and maintaining the color you rightfully earned for much longer.
My favorite: Ocean Potion Sun Care Moisturizing Aloe Lotion. Click Here.
Price: $5.
This is the after sun product I have been using for years. It is cheap and has lot of benefiting skin ingredients like aloe, tea tree oil, vitamin E & C, herbal extracts, and lots of other skin benefiting ingredients. The product also smells like a creamsicle, and reminds me of summer every time I put it on. Works great at soothing sunburns and making your tan last.
4. Sun-In.
If you are like me, you love when your hair gets lighter in the summer. Natural highlights in your hair just screams summer, beaches, and sitting by the pool. Sun-in is a heat activated hair spray that will naturally and gradually lighten your hair. Apply it to your damp hair, and blow dry for faster results or let the sun do the work for you.
My favorite: Sun-In Lemon Fresh. Click Here.
Price: $4.
A little warning -- this product can be somewhat damaging and/or not leave you with the desired color. At the end of the day, however, it's just hair! Give it a shot.
