Julie's Safe Sun Essentials for Summer
Protect yourself this summer with these great new products, curated by beauty expert, Julie Morgan.
May is skin cancer detection month, just in time for the official kickoff to summer's outdoor fun. No matter how long you'll be outside for - and even when it's cloudy - sunscreen is essential all year round to protect yourself. Practicing safe sun is especially close to my heart because I lost my brother Dino to melanoma nearly 14 years ago. As a young man, he unfortunately had a devil-may-care attitude about sun protection - he was only in his 20s when he passed away. Losing him was an extremely hard lesson for me about the very real dangers of even everyday sun exposure.
Now, I want to work to make sure everyone knows how important it is to get to know your skin and protect yourself. The golden glow of a tan may be alluring, but there are plenty of great bronzers out there that can do the work for you! Most importantly, take the time to check yourself regularly - early detection really does save lives.
With so many sunscreen options available these days, it can be tough to sort through them all. That's why I've asked Julie to share some of her favorites, all free of parabens and that other nasty stuff I keep out of my skincare. Luckily, there are lots of great naturally focused brands, like MD Solar Science, that are safe for even babies (over 6 months of age) to use daily. Here's what Julie recommends:
1. MD Solar Sciences MD Crème Mineral Beauty Balm SPF 50, $39 at Nordstrom.com
The makeup artist in me loves this BB cream, which will keep you safe and looking radiant in photos. In addition to its UV-fighting ingredients, it also contains caffeine and niacinamide to reduce redness and inflammation for a picture-perfect complexion.

2. Elta MD UV Elements, $33 at Dermstore.com
This SPF 44 moisturizer uses just physical filters, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. "It contains antioxidant protection to prevent free radical damage associated with UV light and infrared radiation, and hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention," says Dr. Michelle Yagoda, NYC facial plastic surgeon.

3. Hat Attack Reversible Sunhat, $55 at HatAttack.com
Giada bought me one of these hats in Austin, the land of intense heat - so of course it has a little extra flair! The oversized style shields the face, and the fabric is UPF rated to protect heads from up to 98% of UVB rays. Plus, it's reversible, so it works well with any outfit.

4. MD Solar Sciences Family Vacation Pack, $230 at MDSolarSciences.com
Cover your entire family - literally! This multipack contains a selection of different sunscreen options, from lightweight SPF sprays to high-coverage zinc oxide sticks. There's even a great tinted moisturizer for mom! The perfect thing to take on a beach vacation and keep everyone happy and protected.

5. Coola Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 Mineral Liplux, $18 at Nordstrom.com
Don't forget about your lips! The extra-delicate skin is often overlooked, but is just as vulnerable to the sun's rays as the rest of your face. Organic cupuacu butter and mongongo oil in this tinted lip balm moisturize, and it comes in the prettiest range of colors that are naturally flavored for a fun treat.

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