I love the sun. Don't we all? Unfortunately, the love is entirely one-sided. My fair-skinned bod skips right past a sun-kissed tawny glow and goes straight to lobster red. If you're a sun worshipper like myself, you surely sympathize.

Let's stop learning our lesson the hard way and get straight to our summer sun guide (i.e. avoiding painful and aging burns): 

Sunscreens


Proper sunscreen is your number one defense against burns, premature wrinkles, and skin cancer. If you're going to be out and about in the sun even for a few minutes, it's important to wear a good sunscreen. Check out a few of our current faves and this article on everything you need to know about sunscreen.

1. Green Beaver Certified Organic SPF15 Daily Face Cream (C$22.00)

2. Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 60 Soft Sheer Sunscreen Lotion (C$30.50)

3. Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 30 Luxurious Protective Oil (C$28.50) 

4. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen (C$16.99)

5. Consonant 100% Natural Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF15 (C$36.00)

6. Ombrelle Sport Clear Continuous Spray (C$15.74, on sale) 

Hats and Glasses 


For extra protection from the sun and heat, choose a great pair of sunnies and large floppy hat. Bonus: it can be a pretty chic fashion statement, too. Here are a few options we like for beach bums and outdoorsy chicks. 

1. Zara Straw Cowboy Hat (C$29.90)

2. Claire's Sky's The Limit Aviators (C$10.50) 
 
3. Lalu Olivie Fuchsia Floppy Beach Hat  (UK$15.45)

4. Dolce & Gabbana #DD3047 Glasses (US$79.98)

5. Big It Up Monterrey Ribbon Floppy (C$30.00) 

6. Old Navy Crochet-Straw Fedoras (C$14.94)

7. Ray-Ban 'Cathy Clubmaster' (US$115.95)
  
8. Roxy Shady Days Hat (US$36.00)
 
After-Sun 


So sun goddess, you didn't heed my warnings and now you're paying the price? Cooling and soothing after-sun products are your new best friend to hydrate your skin and minimize peeling. 

1. Mustela After Sun Hydrating Spray (C$15.00)
 
2. Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun Lotion (C$12.79)

3. Banana Boat Soothing Aloe Aftersun Gel (C$8.69)

4. Clarins After Sun Moisturizer Ultra Hydrating (C$36.00)

5. Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel (C$31.00)

6. Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Hydrating Aloe (C$28.00)

7. Burt's Bees Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother (C$14.99)

Self Tanner


Go ahead and cheat a little! If you've been obediently covering up with sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothing all summer, a self tanning product gives you the vacationing-in-the-south-of-France glow without any of the pain.
 
1. Tarte Brazilliance Skin Rejuvenating Maracuja Face And Body Self Tanner (C$44.00)
 
2. Clarins Instant Smooth Golden Glow Self-Tanning (C$35.00) 

3. Hawaiian Tropic Island Radiance Self Tanning Lotion (US$8.63)
 
4. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse (C$38.00)

5. Olay Quench Plus Touch of Sun Body Lotion (C$10.99)

6. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer (C$12.79)

What are some of your favourite products to protect against the sun?