Whether you’re still staying at home as much as you can, fully engaged in your local protests, or commuting to work every day, the recommendation hasn’t changed—wearing sunscreen is advised. And now that summer weather has arrived and the official start of the season is just over one week away, you might as well make sure you have all the best SPF products on deck. Chances are you’ll forget to put on traditional sunscreen here and there anyway, so having a foundation, lip balm, or body lotion with built-in protection certainly wouldn’t hurt.

In recent times, there have been debates and research done to ponder the importance of SPF protection, period. How much of it do we actually need? Do those needs depend on your skin tone? For skeptics, there are plenty of questions that still need answering, but until then, I think you’re better safe than sorry. Plus, our growing dependence (and addiction, TBH) on phone, television and computer screens has made us more vulnerable to damage caused by exposure to the blue light emitted from these screens. Thankfully, the beauty industry has gotten a head-start on tackling both UV rays and blue light exposure with products that some level of protection against both.

Now, we have virtually no excuse to skip this crucial step of our daily beauty routines, no matter how minimal or extensive they may be. So without further delay, here’s just a sampling of the best SPF products that also happen to be affordable; under $20, to be exact.

La Roche-Posay.

La Roche-Posay Double-Repair Face Moisturizer UV

A dermatologist-approved is formulated with prebiotic-rich thermal water that feeds and improves microbiome, aka the substance that helps make up the surface of the skin.

Buy: La Roche-Posay Double-Repair Face Moisturizer UV $19.99

Maybelline.

Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Fit Me Foundation

A dermatologist-tested foundation that transforms the appearance of blemish-prone skin to make it look smooth and luminous.

Sun Bum.

Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm

Choose from seven fruity flavors, all of which contain aloe vera and cocoa butter to moisturize and soothe dry lips.

Formula 10.0.6.

Formula 10.0.6 Picture Perfect Day Moisturizer SPF 15

A daily moisturizer that contains vitamin C to brighten the skin and guava to refine the appearance of pores.

Buy: Formula 10.0.6 Picture Perfect Day Moisturizer SPF 15 $10

Maybelline.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 8-In-1 Skin Perfector

A one-and-done, barely-there skin enhancer that combines the benefits of makeup and skincare for a healthy-looking glow.

Buy: Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream 8-In-1 Skin Perfector $6.55

Bare Republic.

Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Stick

A reef-friendly and water-resistant sunscreen that will save you application time without sacrificing an adequate amount of UV protection.

L’Oreal.

L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Foundation Makeup

A 45-shade range that took 10 years to develop so each shade seamlessly blends with your unique skin tone and undertone.

Buy: L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Foundation Makeup $8

Ulta.

Ulta SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm

A shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil-infused lip balm available in three good-enough-to-eat scents.

Physicians Formula.

Physicians Formula Triple Defense Multicolor Stick SPF 20

An all-over color stick for your eyes, skin, and lips that contains an exclusive complex made to protect the face from sun rays, blue light, and pollution.

Buy: Physicians Formula Triple Defense Multicolor Stick SPF 20 $11.49

Aveeno.

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen

A fragrance-free and derm-recommended body lotion that provides protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Buy: Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen $7.97

ChapStick.

ChapStick Total Hydration Complete Care SPF 15 + Color

A tinted lip balm that combines sun protection, color, and moisture.

Maybelline.

Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Flawless Coverage Foundation SPF 50

A creamy, lightweight foundation enriched with antioxidants (and SPF) to protect the skin against pollution and sun exposure.

Buy: Maybelline Dream Urban Cover Flawless Coverage Foundation SPF 50 $10.18

Neutrogena.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15

A gentle hypoallergenic face moisturizer that delivers hydration and sun protection without a heavy, greasy finish (and inevitable irritation).

Buy: Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture SPF 15 $9.58

Differin.

Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30

A daily moisturizer made specifically for acne-prone skin to keep the face hydrated while also absorbing excess oil.

Buy: Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturizer SPF 30 $10.49

Babo Botanicals.

Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

A lightweight, non-greasy tinted moisturizer that contains a unique “Nutri-Firm Complex” made up of antioxidant-rich fruit oils and vitamin C.

Buy: Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 $14.95

Sun Bum.

Sun Bum Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30

A lightweight sunscreen made specifically for the scalp and suitable for all hair textures.

Klorane.

Klorane Protective Oil with Ylang-Ylang Wax for Sun-Exposed Hair

A nourishing hair protectant made with ylang-ylang wax, a naturally-derived ingredient that acts as a shield against sun rays.

Pacifica.

Pacifica Sea & C Glow Bronzing Oil SPF 20

A body illuminator made with vitamin C and naturally-derived extracts to brighten and hydrate the skin.

NYX Professional Makeup.

NYX Bare With Me Cannabis Sativa Daily Moisturizing Primer SPF 30

A pre-makeup, skin nourisher that combines sun protection and hydration (along with extending makeup wear).

AKT Therapy.

AKT Therapy Lip Balm & Face Stick

A two-fer balm made with natural ingredients (avocado, calendula, cocoa butter, and more) to moisturize and protect the face and lips.

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

After I feel sadness, anger, and overwhelm, I usually come back to this question: “How can I be of service?”

Globally, we are living through the pandemic. In the United States, we are witnessing or participating in a movement for more equality and justice, and many are fighting to protect our free speech. Many of you are witnessing and participating in our US struggle from your homes in other countries.

This question, “How can I be of service?” is front and center right now in my heart and mind.

I imagine that many of you are also feeling sad, angry, and overwhelmed. Most of the time, I write about ways to move your body well and to create a life of joyful health. Today I must recognize that it’s all connected… we need to take care of body, mind, spirit, AND community.

“How Can I Be an Instrument of Peace?”

Some people are called to be on the front lines of protests, and/or feel a moral duty to be there. They are standing for peace in the place of most danger.

For some, the protest line is not appropriate because of health, family responsibilities, or mind/body constitution. Please know that my suggestions are not at all intended to downplay the importance of public protests. But for all of us, peace starts at home.

Home = Community

What gifts and talents can we share in our communities, even while social distancing, to foster unity and support?

Home = Family and Friends

How can we reach out to support a loved one with tangible help, words, or just to listen?

Home = Our Bodies

Our bodies are the homes for our minds and spirits. What can we do today to take care of our body-homes, so that they are strong and energized to do what matters?

Home = Clear, Calm Mental State

What can we do today to calm our minds so that we can think clearly and take purposeful action?

Get in Your Zone of Genius

In The Big Leap, author Gay Hendricks encourages us to live in our “zone of genius.” When we are in our zone of genius, we are using our skills and talents for the greater good, with the biggest impact.

Each of us has many skills in our zones of competence and excellence. But when we are in our zone of genius, we feel we are “right where we are meant to be.”

Here are some examples of being in your zone of genius to help create peace at this time:

• Do you love to cook? Make meals for neighbors, family, or friends who are overwhelmed right now.
• Are you creative with music, words, or visual art? Use your creative powers to sing a song, make art, uplift others, and inspire peace with your words.
• Do you have a powerful voice and a truth to speak? By all means, speak it! We need to hear about injustice so that we can change it.
• Do you have a strong faith and spiritual practice? Dedicate your spiritual practices to emanating peace for all, without exception.

Body First, Service Second

I recently started following Kate Northrup, author of Do Less. She teaches entrepreneurs to practice “Body First, Business Second.” She states that when we put our bodies’ health after business, errands, chores, and others, eventually all areas of life suffer.

When we put our bodies first, in the form needed at the moment, we can thrive in all areas. Be more mindful of your body at this time. Stress and tension wreak havoc on muscles, digestion, and sleep. Take care of yourself! Then step up, speak up, and serve others as an instrument of peace.

I invite you to download a free Weekly Health Habits Tracker from my website, to help you keep your wellness plan simple and doable.

My intention is to help you align your body and your life to match your values so that you can DO WHAT MATTERS.

How are you being an instrument of peace at home in your community, family, body, and mind? How can you serve from your zone of genius? We’d love to hear from you!

Dorinda Medley’s Graffiti Crossbody Bag on RHONY

Real Housewives of New York Season 12 Episode 11 Fashion

Although graffiti seems to be all over the streets right now with the protesting going on, according to this pic it is ironically also popping up on this week’s episode of The Real Housewives of New York in the form of Dorinda Medley’s super cute crossbody bag. Which unlike storefronts, is a type of vandalism we have a feeling everyone reading this will definitely approve of.  

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Chanel Bag on eBay

Photo: @RamonaSinger

Originally posted at: Dorinda Medley’s Graffiti Crossbody Bag

Retail therapy is a habit I’ve yet to overcome, especially when so many new Sephora products are making their debut this month. I admire anyone who knows and respects their budgetary limits. I, on the other hand, have very little restraint. In my world, there’s no such thing as buying just one thing. If I pick up a new foundation, I need a blush or bronzer to put on top of it, too. Anyone with enough half-used beauty products to cover a kitchen table knows what I mean.

But back to the main topic at hand—all of the fresh launches I think are at least worthy of a double-take. For starters, if your search for an effective, non-irritating vitamin C product never seems to end, I’ve got great news. Innovative vegan brand Algenist has crafted an at-home face peel that targets hyperpigmentation, dark spots, bumpy texture, and more with Alguronic Acid, a form of vitamin c derived from blue algae. And since Sephora is the first company to join the 15% pledge—aka, a commitment to carrying more Black-owned brands—it feels even more amazing to spotlight Briogeo’s new nourishing hair mask made with a slew of superfoods you’ll immediately want to keep in your cleansing routine.

There’s also a pumpkin-infused eye cream, dual-ended volumizing mascara, and world-famous bath and body brand being sold at Sephora for the first time ever. Keep scrolling to see all of the standout new products before treating yourself to something just because.

Briogeo.

Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado + Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfoods Hair Mask

This Black-owned brand is responsible for some of my all-time favorite natural hair products, all of which are made with natural oils and/or plant-based ingredients. The latest drop is a nourishing, protein-free hair mask rich in avocado, kiwi, and spinach to restore strength and provide antioxidant protection.

Algenist.

Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel

This isn’t your everyday vitamin C product. The brand’s patented Alguronic Acid is a vitamin C derived from blue algae that helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots as effectively (and maybe better) than its non-vegan counterparts.

AMOREPACIFIC.

AMOREPACIFIC Botanical Soothing Toner

You don’t need to be a specific skin type to benefit from this lightweight botanical toner that utilizes bamboo sap, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol to hydrate the skin and strengthen its ability to retain moisture.

First Aid Beauty.

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Eye Cream

Okay, this eye cream is actually a standout. The ingredients include brightening niacinamide, soothing pumpkin seed extract to reduce the appearance of blue in under-eye circles, and peach micro-pearls to give the skin a dewy-looking finish.

Marc Jacobs Beauty.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Glow Away Dewy Coconut Face Luminizer

This coconut-infused and shimmer-free face highlighter comes in two different shades: Sunlit, a warm gold, and Moonlit, a cool, soft pink.

Huda Beauty.

Huda Beauty LEGIT LASHES Double-Ended Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

Check out our review to see the brand’s first-ever dual-ended volumizing mascara in action.

Charlotte Tilbury.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer

I can personally attest to the seemingly perfect glow delivered by Tilbury’s foundations, so I guarantee this hyaluronic acid-infused matte bronzer (for the face and body) is just as effective.

Farmacy.

Farmacy Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner with Moringa + Papaya

If you have combination or oily skin, need a clarifying toner but also don’t want your face to feel stripped of moisture, Farmacy’s new toner was made for you. It’s alcohol-free and made with two exfoliants that are counter-balanced by refreshing and soothing moringa seed extract and moringa water.

Laneige.

Laneige Glowy Makeup Serum

In addition to diamond mineral powder that gives the skin a smoother appearance, this serum also contains moisture-retaining gel and an exclusive “Light Fit Prep Technology” the extends makeup wear.

Necessaire.

Necessaire The Body Wash

Necessaire has finally joined the Sephora ranks and all of its most popular products, including multi-vitamin and essential oil-infused cleanser, are up for grabs.

Moroccanoil.

Moroccanoil Blonde Perfecting Purple Shampoo

Got a fresh blonde, light brunette or gray dye job? This sulfate-free cleanser keeps the tone in check and wards off brassiness.

Kerastase.

Kerastase Soleil Nourishing After Sun Hair Cream

Should you ever make it to a beach this summer, apply this leave-in treatment, rich in coconut water, vitamin E, and a UV filter, to prevent damage and retain moisture.

amika.

amika Mixtape Color Boosting Drops

Available in violet (blonde), teal (brunette), and gold (for enhancing warmth), these color-correcting drops can be mixed with a cleanser or styler to promote vibrancy and extend the time between salon appointments.

(Launches June 23)

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.