We are facing prime summer heat heading into the last month of summer! I, for one, loveeee summer time! The sun stays out longer, you are outdoors more and there is nothing better in the world than pool barbeque sessions and rooftop happy hours. However, for those same reasons and many more, the summer can be painful for your beauty regimen: your skin is easily more dehydrated, you can burn (and then even worse start to peel), bug bites and not to mention tan lines, nails turn yellow quicker (yup, UV rays from the sun make your pale pink not so pale and not so pink), makeup melts quicker, hair turns green in chlorine, and let’s not get started on what the humidity does to your hair… But the biggest summer beauty woe of them all – skin cancer is real.

All aboard the summer wah-wah-wabulance…

It’s been excruciatingly hot in Houston these last couple weeks, soaring over 100 degrees consistently. Luckily, I have an indoor-office-y type job so I can avoid it for the most part but these are sunblock crucial days for your skin to beat the summer heat and come out on top! I cannot tell you how many of my friends still do not wear sunscreen! It’s actually really weird to me…

Step aside as I get on my soapbox. Sunblock isn’t what it was when we were children: thick, goopy and smelly! I know we are traumatized from the days our mothers used to slab it all over us and left us purple-y, but there are so many great alternatives out there and, trust me, your face needs it – even if you aren’t the “burning and peeling” type. Absolutely no debating it! Sure darker skin doesn’t sunburn as easily but we are all susceptible to skin cancer, sun spots and wrinkles. I sound like a mom…. But you’ll be thanking me down the line. And hopefully with some of these BATP-approved sun-safe products, maybe it won’t seem like such a chore.

Elta MD Sunscreen: This is my summer favorite and dermatologist approved for sensitive skin (my name written all over that). It’s light and a little goes a long way. There’s not really anything “sexy” about this product – but it does the job, really, really well of protecting your skin. That’s all you need.

Neutrogena Broad Spectrum Sunscreen: For your beauty queens on a budget (or in a rush, or just want to start small, no judgment) this guy is your drug store sunscreen win. It’s non-greasy, lightweight and dry within seconds.

Brushonblock: You know how reapplying is key? Well, this brush is filled with natural minerals that sit on top of your skin that you can just swipe on quickly while on-the-go. Perfect for sunny vacations without ruining your makeup! See, there is a solution for everything in this innovative beauty world.

Sun Bum: I know I talk a lot about protecting your face, but your body needs it too. Sun Bum is one of those easy-to-apply spray ons making it easy to evenly apply all over your bod, is water-proof, and comes in the coolest looking bottle.

Supergoop! Lip Balm: Your lips are extra sensitive to sun too, so if you’re in the market to protect those luscious lips, check this out. Full disclaimer, I’m not the biggest fan of Supergoop! sunblock because I think it smells bad but this lipblock is ridiculously hydrating, creamy and no weird taste afterward either. And the best part? That thing about non-chapped, dry lips.

Summer has its long list of beauty woes so I asked these other bloggers to share how they combat their miseries – from fashion tips to health tricks! There is a way to survive these last couple weeks!

6100 Main: Fashion of Rice University // Rosiemay //  Fairyburger //  In The Loop //  Suite 6Ten //  Southern Soul  // My L(e)onely Planet // Native Texan Livin’ // The Pace // AMtoPM // Lipstick and Brunch // New Key Beauty

Life is better in flip flops (and sunscreen),