Like the rest of the world, our Brain Trust members have been patiently waiting for summer. Sure, they enjoy a happy playlist and a sunny day, but what they appreciate even more is proper sun protection. Here’s what’s currently in their healthy-skin queue.
"My personal sun-protection favorites are the skinbetter science sunbetter Tone Smart SPF 68 Sunscreen Compact ($65) and ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Powder Broad- Spectrum SPF 40 ($65).”
—Miami dermatologist Annie Gonzalez, MD
“Over the past year, when it hit 60 degrees in the Northeast, my office setup quickly relocated to the picnic table. I’m good about sunscreen, but I noticed early on that I was clearly missing some spots on my forehead. Enter Bluestone Sunshields ($68): The futuristic-looking visors literally save your skin—whether you’re hanging out at the beach or in your backyard making your way through emails."
—Liz Ritter, Executive Editor
“I’m very fair-skinned and very anti-sun, but of course I enjoy a day at the beach or on a boat. However, in the past when I didn’t have access to shade from an umbrella, I would cover my legs and shoulders with my towel. Then I recently discovered the Coolibar Savannah Sun Blanket UPF 50+ ($30), and it does the job much better. It’s super soft and lightweight, comes in a bunch of colors, and shields me from UV rays with its innovative zinc oxide–infused fabric.”
—Brittany Burhop Fallon, Beauty Director
"During the summer, I love a broad-spectrum, water-resistant, moisturizing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for my face. A water-resistant product comes in handy on those really sweltering days when you’re perspiring.”
—Deborah Sarnoff, Skin Cancer Foundation
"My favorite summer essentials are from my Kim Kimble line at Sally Beauty. I love the Repair Serum ($13) because it protects hair from heat, which is a necessity in the summertime, and I also love using the Shine Spray ($25) so I can step up my summer glow!”
—Kim Kimble, celebrity hairstylist
"I wouldn’t step foot on a beach without a hat. This Eugenia Kim Straw Hat ($395) brings a pop of color to any outfit and has a wide brim that protects my skin.”
—Kate Oldham, SVP, GMM of beauty at Saks Fifth Avenue
“Now that I’m in my 40s, sun protection is key to ensuring my dark spots don’t get darker. This Wallaroo Monterey fedora with UPF50+ ($67) fabric to block UV light adds another layer of protection to my face and is so versatile, I can wear it at the pool or to a Sunday brunch and I’m golden.”
—Tatiana Bido, Features Editor
“I love a good read in the summertime, so having a book in my bag is essential. Right now, I’m reading Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, and I always love flipping through the pages of Harry Potter with my daughter.”
—Sarah Eggenberger, Senior Editor-at-Large
"An essential part of preserving youth around the eyes, particularly during the summer months, is the use of UV protective eyewear.We often neglect the effects of chronic UV—and other harmful rays—exposure not only to our eyes—that can degrade the beautiful sharp contrast of the white sclera to the iris, but also to our skin around the eyes.”
—Boca Raton, FL oculoplastic surgeon Steven Fagien, MD
“I stay out of the sun as much as I can, which makes self-tanning a vital part of my summer routine. Lux Unfiltered’s chic lineup of bronzing products—the Face Drops ($42) and Tanning Cream ($32) are my current favorites—deliver a believable, hydrating glow year-round and boast elevated scents like santal and rosewood.”
—Danielle Fontana Dooley, Senior Digital Editor
“UV light exposure can lead to damage in the eyes, which is why it’s so important to protect them with sunglasses. The Vehla Dixie Sunglasses ($160) not only shield from harmful rays, but also complete any outfit I’m wearing. If you haven’t seen them all over Instagram yet, where have you been?”
—Olivia Wohlner, Editorial Assistant
