SHARK TANK APPROVED 
Updated: May 4, 2022
When I was young (and stupid), I used to fight my mom on sunscreen. As a mom myself now, I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for her to let me figure things out for myself despite knowing full well sunscreen was an absolute must. After a few particularly painful burns though, things clicked, and thankfully now applying sunscreen isn’t just automatic, but something of an obsession.
The market for sunscreens nowadays could not be better – it seems like every day another sun-defending product pops up. I for one could not be more pleased with this turn of events; long gone are the days that being tan was the utmost standard of beauty. Now, it’s all about protecting your fair skin and defending against the ever-lurking threat of skin cancer.
Daunting, yes, but doable!
Every redhead has their own sunscreen tips, but here are a few of my own, plus some favorite products, that I’ve gathered over the years.
READ: Why SPF 30 Is The Golden Ticket – High SPF’s Are Not Better
TIP: Do it naked! Sunscreen application, that is. Before donning your bathing suit, apply lotion in your birthday suit to make sure you don’t miss any spots. This also helps avoid the dreaded ‘crispy edges’ syndrome — i.e the sunburn you get along the edges of your bikini where you didn’t apply close enough! Ouch.
1. COOLA Suncare Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion Sheer Matte SPF 30
This mineral face sunscreen smells like heaven and won’t irritate even the most sensitive of skin. It is a good everyday face sunscreen that you won’t mind putting on every morning. Shop here
2. Babo Botanicals Super Shield Zinc Sport Stick Sunscreen SPF 50
A solid sunscreen is handy to have when your on the go, and great for touching your face, hands, and feet. Don’t be scared by the Zinc in the title–no white noses here. This stick goes on clear. Don’t forget the tiny spots on your body. I’ve found those make for the most painful burns! Stick sunscreen is great for the edges of your ears, your eyelids, and the tops of your feet. Shop here.
3. Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Hyaluronic Cloud Moisturizer
I’ve gone through my fair share of daily moisturizers with good SPF, and I keep coming back to this one again and again. It doesn’t leave a white cast, it moisturizes my super-dry skin, and it works well under make up.
‘Redhead Friendly’ Tip: Wear a moisturizer with sunscreen EVERY. DAY. Yes, even non-sunny ones! Coat your neck and chest with this stuff too while you’re at it! Shop here
4. BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 50+ Spray
An under-the-radar winner, Blue Lizard is one of few sprays that won’t burn my skin after being in salt water. Their lotion is also fantastic! Apply a lotion before leaving the house, and use a spray when you need to re-apply on the go. It is particularly great for beach days. Spray is so much easier when you’re out on the sand! Shop here
5. Colorscience Pro Sunforgettable SPF 30 Brush
For oily-skinned gals, a mineral powder SPF is the world’s greatest invention. This one comes in a few different tints and has an extremely subtle gleam finish to help you glow while being protected. Shop here
‘Redhead Friendly’ Tip: Working your sunscreen into your makeup routine ensures you’ll never skip it. It’s also super easy to throw this brush in your bag for reapplication throughout the day.
6. Supergoop AcaiFusion Lip Balm SPF 30
Many lip balms with SPF leave a weird violet tinge. Not cute. This one, thankfully, only leaves a delightful pink tint while protecting your lips. I’d use it even without the SPF. Lips are one of those spots people always forget to protect. But trust me, a lip sunburn is no joke. Shop here
Rock it like a Redhead!
