40+ Essentials for Playing in the Sun
Updated: Jun. 07, 2022
From sunscreen for your scalp to a top with mosquito repellent technology, here are over 40 items that'll make your time under the sun's rays so much more enjoyable (and safer).
All in the Bag
Dermatologist Dr. Cheryl Rosen shares her hot tips for staying safe in the sun.
Burning question: Do I really have to reapply sunscreen every two hours?
“If you’re sitting in the shade, sunscreen probably lasts longer—so you don’t have to reapply every two hours. But if you’re sweating or swimming, reapply when you finish those activities,” says Rosen.
Forgot to reapply your SPF? We got you (but don’t let it happen again!). This lotion will cool and hydrate your skin.
Dr. Hauschka After Sun, $32, well.ca
Whether you’re hitting the road or rolling up to the beach, a pair of polarized sunglasses will reduce eye strain from the sun’s strong rays.
Clearly Basics, $73, clearly.ca
In this debut novel, a married English professor finds herself positively smitten with the much-younger Vladimir—and you’ll be similarly obsessed.
Vladimir by Julia May Jonas, $34, indigo.ca
A light straw hat with a wide brim delivers sun protection and style.
Sun Hat, $17, Winners
This golden-striped, oversized canvas carryall will hold everything you need for the day.
Summer Tote by Love & Lore, $50, indigo.ca
Sunny Side Up
This convenient SPF spray offers high UVA and UVB protection for both face and body. Plus, it keeps skin hydrated for up to six hours.
Avene High Sun Protection Spray SPF 50+, $34, well.ca
This natural, matte face cream with SPF 30 touts skin-soothing benefits from ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract.
Odacite Sun Guardian Day Creme SPF 30, $87, thedetoxmarket.ca
Mid-day SPF touch-ups are a breeze with this brush, which dispenses loose powder to provide sun protection and regulate excess sebum (so your skin looks less oily).
Mineral Powder Sunscreen SOLIS+ SPF 50, $59, idcdermo.com
After a day soaking in sea water, your skin may feel dry. Shower off then coat your bod in this oil, which will moisturize and revitalize your skin.
Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil, $73, dermalogica.ca
Feeling a little crispy? This spray cools you down and alleviates redness.
CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray, $50, thedetoxmarket.ca
Protect your head with a scalp spray that won’t make your locks greasy.
Sun Bum Scalp Spray SPF 30, $20, well.ca
This sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin.
Avene Aqua-Fluid Sun Protection SPF 50+, $31, well.ca
Witch hazel, which can relieve irritation, is the star of this face mist.
Sun Bum Original SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist, $20, well.ca
This primer leaves you with a velvety finish.
Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30, $74, dermalogica.ca
(Related: 8 Simple Tricks to Better Protect Yourself From the Sun)
Burning question: When I’m under an umbrella, do I need to bother with other sun protection methods?
“You should still wear sunscreen because the sun can bounce off the ground and hit you. You also want to choose an umbrella that’s large and has a high UPF rating [that’s Ultraviolet Protection Factor—like SPF, but for fabrics] of about 50,” says Rosen.
Fun in the sun needs proper protection. Before you hit the beach (or grass, or deck), snag one of these umbrellas.
- Red Beach Umbrella Red Pink by Oui, $80, indigo.ca
- Spotted Sunday Supply Co. Black Sands Beach Umbrella, USD $337, sundaysupply.co
- Striped Outbound Beach Umbrella, $22, canadiantire.ca
Cool Toppers
Burning question: Do some hats offer more sun protection than others?
“Any hat is better than no hat. It should cover your ears, but if it doesn’t, remember to apply sunscreen to them. Hats with a wide brim are best because more of your face is shaded,” says Rosen.
A light and loose linen shirt shields your shoulders and arms from the sun’s rays.
The Oversized Linen Shirt in Apricot, $90, frankandoak.com
A wide-brim hat is the best pick for keeping your face (and ears) out of direct sunlight.
Floppy Sun Hat,$20, Winners
Whether you’re strolling around the city or floating on the lake, this long-sleeve nylon top will help prevent sunburns.
Ripzone Women’s SL Solid Black Long Sleeve Rashguard, $41, sportchek.ca
Keep your head in the clouds with this cute bucket hat.
Cloud Bucket Hat, $17, Winners
This lightweight, quick-drying jacket gives you both warmth and UV protection for breezy boat rides.
Old Navy, StretchTech Loose Cropped Jacket, $55, oldnavy.gapcanada.ca
No summer running uniform is complete without a baseball cap—and this sweat-wicking, reflective number is a good one.
Lululemon, Fast and Free Ponytail Cap, $38, lululemon.com
This swimsuit cover-up lets you linger by the water.
Billabong Love to Lounge Cover-Up Shirt, $70, nordstrom.ca
Think on Your Feet
Burning question: What are the chances I’ll get a wart walking around a public swimming pool?
“If you go barefoot in any public wet space, you’re definitely increasing your chances. I recommend wearing flip flops if you’re using a public shower or walking around a pool,” says Rosen.
It’s the season of sandals—and blisters. These picks will keep your feet cool and comfortable.
- Sugarcane-Blend Flip-Flop Sandals for Women (Partially Plant-Based), $7, oldnavy.gapcanada.ca
- Crocs, $50, Marshalls
- Keira Slide Sandal, $80, ketchshoes.ca
- Hunter Women’s Bloom Sandal, $80, hunterboots.com
- Merrell Hydro Moc shoes, $70, altitude-sports.com
(Related: How to Find Summer Sandals That Won’t Wreck Your Feet)
Bite Back
Buzzing question: Why are mosquitos so obsessed with me?
“Insects like you if you wear dark colours, if you wear fragrance or if you’re hot and sweaty. If your bites are itchy, putting something really cold on the area can be helpful,” says Rosen.
This isn’t your average button-up: This top is cut from fabric that’s been treated with special mosquito repellent technology.
Women’s Tick and Mosquito Repellent Long Sleeve Shirt, $80, marks.com
Keep your late-night patio chats going strong with a candle made with citronella, a natural oil that staves off bugs by masking the scents they like.
Citronella Candle, $10, canadiantire.ca
Not a fan of stinky, sticky bug spray? This rechargeable, non-toxic, scent-free device releases repellent into the air, creating a 20-foot protection zone.
Thermacell Radius Zone Rechargeable E55 Mosquito Repellent, $70, canadiantire.ca
Nights spent under the stars are possible with this natural repellent spray that also keeps the itch from past bites at bay.
Public Goods Insect Repellent, $14, publicgoods.com
We love the tree-bark print on this citronella candle.
Citronella Candle, $25, Homesense
(Related: Bug Bites Don’t Stand a Chance Against These Natural Home Remedies)
Raise Our Glasses
Burning question: How important is it to wear sunglasses?
“Very important. Sunglasses protect the skin around your eyes as well as your eyeballs—some cataracts are induced by chronic UV exposure,” says Rosen.
Sunnies can do more than accessorize—polarised lenses can help prevent eye strain from squinting, and ones with UV protection (ideally UV 400) can help keep your eyes healthy.
- Sunglasses Clearly Basics, $73, clearly.ca
- Clearly Basics mahone-54, $65, clearly.ca
- Quay Australia After Hours 50mm Polarised Gradient Square Sunglasses, $75, nordstrom.ca
- Old Navy Pink Cat’s Eye, $20 oldnavy.gapcanada.ca
- Tortoise Sunglasses, $20, Winners
- Kam Dhillon Marion-49, $100, clearly.ca
- Royce Sunglasses, $95, bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca
Now that you know sun safety tips, here’s a sweaty gal’s guide to sunscreen.
