Hair
Too much sun affects hair the way bleach does, causing discolouration, dryness and brittleness, broken and split ends, thinning and the dreaded frizz, all of which makes hair harder to style. Give your locks some love with these products that protect hair.
This Kérastase Soleil trio includes a shampoo, mask and micromist to protect and nourish hair by compensating for the drying effects of UV rays, salt water and chlorinated water ($140, kerastase.ca).
Moroccan Oil’s Glimmer Shine is a finishing spray that attracts and reflects light to give a high-gloss finish. Formulated with argan oil and antioxidants, it forms an invisible veil to protect hair against environmental elements ($27, Sparks, 1004 King West, 647-351-8982, moroccanoil.com/canada).
Aveda’s sun care protective hair veil is a lightweight, water-resistant UV defence mist that protects hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours. An antioxidant blend with vitamin E fights free radical damage ($28). Follow up with Aveda’s sun care after-sun hair masque to moisturize and further defend against free radicals ($27, 125 King East, 416-921-2961, and others, aveda.ca/locator).
Eyes
Your under-eye area has the second-thinnest skin on your body and is especially susceptible to harmful rays. In addition to eyelid cancers, the sun can also cause premature aging and discolouration. Fight back with these summer picks.
Skinceuticals’ AOX+ Eye Gel contains a powerful antioxidant combination to protect from oxidative stress and reduce signs of photodamage ($82, skinceuticals.com).
Elizabeth Arden Prévage anti-aging eye cream SPF 15 uses the antioxidant idebenone to smooth out fine lines and prevent future harm ($100, Hudson’s Bay, 176 Yonge, 416-861-9111, and others, thebay.com).
Cover your under-eye circles earned from sangria-filled nights and protect against damage with MAC Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer. This gem is also rich in antioxidants to absorb excess oil and prevent environmental damage ($19, 91 Bloor West, 416-929-7555, and others, maccosmetics.ca).
Lips
While we slather sunscreen all over our faces, it’s easy to forget about the lips, because they rarely tan. But don’t be fooled – they can definitely burn and rack up sun-damage miles. Lips have a very thin outer layer of skin and almost no melanin, the skin pigment that helps block UV rays. Stay ahead of the sun with these lip picks.
Benefit benetint lip balm SPF 15 gives lips a rosy colour and added protection. It also contains vitamin E and beeswax ($20 2614 Yonge, 416-440-2769, benefitcosmetics.com).
Arbonne’s Liquid Sunshine Lip Balm SPF 15 contains a non-whitening mineral sunscreen that protects from UVA/UVB rays. Coconut oils and moisturizing botanicals condition and smooth. Looking for green cred? Arbonne’s products are made with natural ingredients ($12, arbonne.ca).
Bite Beauty lip mask is a leave-on lip treatment made from food-grade products that soothes and replenishes moisture in lips after a day outside. It also contains resveratrol, the powerful antioxidant found in red wine, to fight free radicals ($30, Sephora, 131 Bloor West, 416-513-1100, and others, sephora.com).
Nails and hands
Hands often show the first signs of sun damage because they’re exposed but rarely protected from the elements. Sunny days can also screw with how long your nail polish lasts before fading or chipping. Solve both problems with this powerful duo.
Deborah Lippmann Rich Girl broad-spectrum SPF 25 hand cream boasts a botanical brightening complex to even tone, while a broad-spectrum sunscreen helps defend against rays. Bonus: no parabens or sulfates ($32, Sephora).
Summer sun, chlorine and saltwater do a number on nails, but CND Vinylux weekly polish stays on longer and prevents colour fading – without the harmful UV rays of a gel manicure ($12, cnd.com).
Extra credit
The only thing better than sun protection is more sun protection. Add these face products to your daily routine to make sure you’re covered.
Spray MAC Cosmetics Studio Moisture Fix SPF 15 before makeup application to prep the skin or afterward to avoid that cakey look and add glow ($40).
Lancôme’s Miracle CC Cream SPF 50 was tested in some of the world’s most polluted cities to help protect against environmental aggressors, including the sun. A CC cream is essentially a foundation, illuminator, moisturizer and sunscreen all in one. ($46, Hudson’s Bay)
Skinceuticals C E Ferulic and Serum 10 AOX+ are two of the best antioxidant formulas around. Depending on your skin type, use one of these medical-grade serums to neutralize free radicals and fight premature aging (from $99, skinceuticals.com).
