Always Wear (Sun) Protection - My Top Sunscreen Picks for Summer

Dislcaimer: This post contains affiliate links. 

Certain products mentioned I received complimentary in exchange for my honest review.

My maternal instincts are starting to kick in the closer my due date approaches. So allow me to give you some motherly advice: You should be wearing sunscreen!

Before you roll your eyes, know this: According to the Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation, Melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer) is the 3rd most common cancer among women ages 15-29 (source). Since this form of cancer is caused by overexposure to UV rays, it is one we can easily protect ourselves against!

Some of my faves to help shield against those harmful sun rays! Straw tote- Sears, Sunglasses- Aldo, Flip Flops- Old Navy

While I've always understood its importance, sunscreen is one of those products I used to groan at. I assumed I was forever doomed to be left with a greasy, sticky, faux-tropical scented mess on my hands. Yet after exploring a few different options, I've narrowed down some personal favourites that actually make sun protection feel good! Plus I've made sure to include options suitable for a variety of skin types!


Live Clean Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion - $15.99 CAD & Live Clean Kids Mineral Sunscreen Spray - $20.99 CAD

I've recently learned there are two categories of SPF; chemical and physical.
Chemical SPF is most common, but certain ingredients (oxybenzone & homosalate) can pass through the hormone barrier which...isn't ideal when you're expecting. In lieu of this, I've been opting for physical sunscreens; ones that have a zinc oxide base.

 But that key ingredient is also known to leave a nasty 'white cast' that we all dread. Thankfully, after some very helpful recommendations from my fellow Canadian Beauty Bloggers, I came across these two sunscreens from Live Clean. Not only do they provide great broad spectrum protection, they don't leave me looking pale as a ghost! And they're made with all natural ingredients!

I love how the Live Clean Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion feels on the skin. While it is a thicker consistency, it spreads very evenly, and doesn't feel heavy or greasy. My makeup layers quite nicely overtop, too! This is definitely a great option if you have sensitive skin.

While the bottle indicates it's for kids, the Live Clean Mineral Sunscreen Spray can be used by anybody! It is the only mineral sunscreen I've found in a spray format, plus it's water resistant (for up to 40 minutes).


Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Sunscreen - $19.99 CAD

If you hate that greasy, sticky 'sunscreen feeling', this is the one for you!

This Hydro Boost Sunscreen from Neutrogena gives a refreshing splash of hydration to quench your skin's thirst, thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid & Vitamin E.  It is super lightweight and doesn't clog pores, so it makes for a wonderful daily moisturizer. I find SPF 50 is particularly hard to find in facial sunscreens (especially drugstore varieties) so this makes it really easy to love!

My husband, who can be extremely difficult when I try to introduce him to new skincare products, was easily converted to regular sunscreen use when I handed him this tube. That's definitely a win in my books!

Origins Gin-Zing SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer - $50 CAD

Want sun protection but don't want to add yet another product to your morning routine? Try a do-it-all tinted moisturizer instead.

After trying a sample-size of this Origins Gin-Zing Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer, I got completely hooked. I have completely given up foundation because of how well this matches my skintone. It totally eliminates any redness, and gives my face a lovely lit-from-within glow (which I'm particularly grateful for after a restless night).

It's a great option for when I want sheer/light coverage and SPF without having to layer products. Because really, who wants to risk their makeup melting off by mid-day?

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While we're on the topic of Mr Sun, here are some other helpful tips you keep yourself safe this summer!

Do it again & again...
Always apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. And be sure to reapply every 2 hours (especially after getting out of the water).

Get lippy
Your lips need coverage, too! Look for lip balms with added SPF to keep your pout protected.

Top it off
Hats are an easy & stylish option to shield your face from those harmful rays. Ball-caps or a wide-brim, floppy styles are super trendy right now, too!

Be a little shady
Find a cool spot out of the sun when possible. Pack a beach umbrella, or bring a chic cover-up along with you.

Drink up!
Protect your skin from the inside out by staying hydrate. Drink plenty of water & avoid caffeine.