Supermodel Winnie Harlow knows what she likes when it comes to sunscreen. Growing up in sunny Jamaica with vitiligo, an autoimmune disorder and skin condition, Harlow’s parents always stressed the importance of protecting her skin around the clock. While Harlow was prudent with sun protection for most of her life, everything changed at a beach photo shoot in 2018.
“[Winnie] was discouraged from wearing sunscreen while shooting because all of the formulas on set left a white cast on her skin tones,” reads a release. “This led to severe, permanent sun damage and medical treatment, and was a pivotal turning point for Winnie.” Cut to four years later, Harlow wants to make everyone feels confident in showing more skin, knowing their skin is protected. Enter: CAY SKIN, Harlow’s debut skin-care line—she is the founder and creative director—launching with nothing other than a truly invisible sun-care collection for face and body.
“Traditional sunscreens are notorious for being heavy, uncomfortable, not wearing well under makeup, and worst of all, leaving a white or purple cast, especially on people of color. This has led to so many people I know skimping on sun care in everyday life,” said Harlow. “My experience deepened my conviction to create sun care products that are both comfortable to wear every day, and effective at providing truly invisible protection for everyone under the sun.”
The brand’s first collection ranges from $14 to $38 and includes mineral and chemical sunscreens, a lip sunscreen and body care. Our favorites: Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF 45 ($32)—a lightweight, illuminating sunscreen—and Universal Mineral Face Lotion SPF 55 ($34), a hydrating non-nano mineral sunscreen that dries down clear on all skin tones. All formulas are dermatologist-tested, non-comedogenic and include powerful skin-care actives like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and squalane. Also making an appearance are island-based ingredients including aloe stem cells and sea moss, a nod to Harlow’s Jamaican roots. Even more, 75-percent of the primary packaging is 100-percent recyclable and made from 30-percent post-consumer resin, and all cartons are 100-percent recyclable and FSC certified.
“CAY SKIN looks and feels good on all skin and makes you feel sexy and confident in your body without sacrificing sustainability, good-for-you ingredients, or that invisible blend,” says Harlow. “I wanted to create formulas that people would feel comfortable wearing all day, everyday and a brand that could make a difference in people’s lives.”
CAY SKIN is available today at cayskin.com and exclusively at Sephora in April.
