On My Mind: Sunscreen Wardrobes and Labor Day Sales
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
Summer is my favorite time of year, even though it’s so hot and humid that sometimes merely leaving home means instant sweat. Dealing with the heat is worth it for the warm evenings, lots of time at the pool andbeach, and the general atmosphere offun. So now that the start of fall is in sight, I’ve been hanging onto every last bit of the season and reflecting on the products that became my summer essentials this year.
New! You can now save this product for later.
I’ve been loyal toHawaiian Tropic sunscreenfor the past few years, but I got this large bottle of Vacation sunscreen back in April and it has become a top contender for what I’ll buy again next year. It smells beachy, rubs in easily, and has been quite effective at preventing any burns. I also like that it comes in a large pump bottle, which has lasted me most of the summer.
New! You can now save this product for later.
I love Beauty of Joseon’sRelief Sunscreenand use it as my daily SPF because it’s so light on my skin. Amazingly, this sunscreen stick is even lighter and less sticky. It barely feels like there’s anything on your face after you apply it — and the format makes it great for quick application on the go or when your hands are sandy at the beach.
New! You can now save this product for later.
This SPFbody oilwas a repeat purchase this year. I put it on after showering in the morning, both to moisturize (it’s very lightweight and non-greasy) and to get some sun protection if I go out for a walk. I probably wouldn’t use asunscreen oilfor long periods of sun exposure, but I like using it as a base layer of SPF in the summer.
New! You can now save this product for later.
If I do ever happen to get a burn, this Sun Bum lotion is so soothing. It’s not as sticky as pure aloe vera, which makes me feel much more inclined to use it.
New! You can now save this product for later.
My mother-in-law gave me a Tarpestry for Christmas and I’ve used it more this spring and summer than I could have imagined. It’s a plasticized outdoor blanket, but much more heavy duty than others I’ve tried in the past. It’s ideal for sitting on grass — no worries of a wet butt — as well as for the beach, because you can easily wipe or shake sand away. It doesn’t fold downextremelysmall, so it may not always fit in a purse or backpack, but it’s relatively easy to transport. I’ve brought it camping, to the beach, to the park, and to outdoor concerts and festivals, and it has served me well in every situation. I’m heading to the beach again this weekend, and it will definitely be coming with me.
[Note: The exact pattern I own isn’t available online, so I linked to a similar one.]
New! You can now save this product for later.
I love to swim, and since pool and ocean water can be harsh on my hair, I’ve been using this protective spray before jumping in. I make sure not to apply too early, because it makes my hair feel slightly greasy — but when I know it’s about to get wet, that’s not a big deal. And I think it has been helping; my hair has felt much softer after each dip when I’ve used the spray.
I’d been wanting a floppy woven hat for a while when I spotted a stack of Sunny Life hats at a beach shop on North Carolina’s Outer Banks earlier this month. I bought one with red-orange and blue stripes that I plan on wearing for the rest of the summer. It shades my face, and the loosely woven structure allows for airflow to my head, which keeps my hair from getting too sweaty. I’ll also be bringing it the next time I travel somewhere warm and sunny, because it packs down flat. I couldn’t find my exact hat online, but here are some other styles from the brand.
Here’s everything else I’ve seen recently …
New! You can now save this product for later.
‘Keep Looking Up: Your Guide to the Powerful Healing of Birdwatching,’ by Tammah Watts
During my OBX trip, I popped intoBooks to Be Redon Ocracoke Island, which has a great selection of books about the natural world. I bought this book about bird-watching, which is part memoir and part guide to getting started.
New! You can now save this product for later.
After a few months of being absolutely obsessed withDutch Blitz, my partner and I have moved on to a new game after playing it with his family at the beach. It has all the risk-taking thrill that I imagine gambling provides, without the worry of actual money being on the line. It’s also easy to explain, so it’s great to play with a big group of friends.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Earlier in the summer, I went to Door County, Wisconsin, one of my favorite places in the country. While spending a day on Washington Island, I stopped at Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, and remembering my colleague Bella’s recommendation toput a sachet in your suitcase, I bought an adorable lavender sachet as a souvenir. Just a couple of weeks ago, I accidentally threw it in the washer with my laundry and was briefly devastated that I had ruined it, before realizing I could replace the lavender inside. I ordered a bulk bag of lavender buds from Fragrant Isle’s online store, and since there were far more in the bag than I needed, I’ve been filling up the random organza jewelry bags I’ve had laying around to make more sachets. Now my drawers, closet, and car all smell fantastic.
On both of my summer trips, I went kayaking and paddleboarding in weather cool enough to warrant long sleeves, but I hadn’t packed anything other than sweatshirts and button-ups. It got me thinking about buying a lightweight shirt for warmth and sun protection on the water. A rash guard could work, but I’d prefer something with a looser fit that I can layer and that will still dry quickly if it gets wet. Lucky for me, there are lots of deals on outdoorsy stuff right now, so here are some of the (mostly on-sale) options I’m considering.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Now that REI’s Labor Day sale has started, I also have this raincoat in my cart. A long raincoat is a real game changer, because the water landing on your coat doesn’t drip directly onto your thighs. I had a jacket similar to this one in college that I’ve been looking to replace.
New! You can now save this product for later.
New! You can now save this product for later.
I also spotted these trail shorts and pants from Half Days for 30 percent off. The stock is pretty low since these are last-run editions, but I just bought one of each because I’ve been curious about this brand for a while. Both the shorts and pants have an adjustable belt, which seems handy for getting the correct fit.
[Note: Both of these are low on stock — the pants are only available in XL and 2X sizes in the Forget Me Not color; other colors are still available, though not on sale. The Nuthatch shorts have the most sizes in stock, but there are three other colors with some sizes still available.]
More From The Strategist
- The Strategist Fall 100
- The Best Things Strategist Editors Have Bought This Year (So Far)
- The Strategist Summer 100
- I Replaced My Tretinoin With This $30 Retinal Cream
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
