Currently on the Bathroom Shelf: Fourth of July Sun Protection Products From Neutrogena, L’Occitane, Vichy, Avene and Philip Kingsley

It’s almost Fourth of July, and fireworks are completely legal in my bathroom!

Wait — that was weird.

By fireworks, I’m referring to exciting sun protection products, like these things currently celebrating their independence on my bathroom shelf. 🙂

Neutrogena Age Shield Face Oil-Free Lotion SPF 110

When a two-digit SPF ratings just isn’t enough, there’s Neutrogena Age Shield Face Oil-Free Lotion SPF 110, which I’ve been using every day for about a month.

The oil-free formula is fabulous to the max! Not only is it easy to apply makeup on top of it, but it doesn’t pill up into little flecks, or otherwise behave strangely no matter what I wear it with — primer, foundation, whatever else.

Best of all, it’s not greasy! — so when I put it on my neck, it doesn’t feel all sticky and gross. For $12.99, you get a 3-ounce tube, and it’s available now at drugstores, Ulta and online.

L’Occitane Jenipapo Gel-Protecting Body Jelly Milk SPF 20

I like L’Occitane’s Jenipapo Protecting Body Jelly Milk SPF 20 for a couple of reasons.

First, the name. Jenipapo.

That’s pure win right there. 🙂

As for the formula, I like it for light SPF protection when I only plan to catch a few rays while running errands or going for a quick walk.

It’s a lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen lotion that smells ah-maze-balls! It starts with notes of watermelon, orange, pineapple, frangipani and Lily of the Valley, and dries down to a smooth vanilla musk.

It launched last May with a whole slew of skin care, fragrance and sun protection products in L’Occitane’s Au Brasil line, a range inspired by the fabulous foliage of Brazil.

Jenipapo, a fruit tree found in Brazil’s Cerrado tropical savanna, is said to be very moisturizing.

It’s also a fun word to say aloud.

“Jenipapo.”

Especially with your office window open, and when directed at neighborhood children.

“Jenipapo!”

Not that I do that or anything.

It costs $20 for a 5.1-ounce spray bottle, and it’s available now at L’Occitane stores and loccitane.com.

Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 50 Lightweight Foaming Lotion

When I plan to be out in the sun for a while, like by the pool or at the beach, I’m all about this sunscreen from Vichy.

Rated for 80 minutes of water resistance, the mousse formula quickly absorbs into my skin, so I don’t have to spend forever and a day rubbing.

I like it, but it’s pricey at $28.50 for a 4.8-ounce bottle. I’d readily give it up for regular old sunscreen lotion if, say, Ryan Gosling offered to “do my back.”

Sure, Ryan. Take all the time you need. 🙂

It’s available now at drugstores, Ulta and ulta.com.

Avene Eau Thermale After-Sun Repair Lotion

After I spend a while in the sun, I like to apply a soothing aloe vera gel (this one by Fruit of the Earth is pretty good, and it’s only $4), buuuuuut my bottle just ran out, so I started using this After-Sun Repair Lotion by Avene ($25).

It’s OK…but I think I prefer regular aloe gel a little more. After-Sun definitely feels moisturizing, but aloe gel feels like it actually does a little more in the skin repair department.

After-Sun costs $25 for a 13.52-ounce bottle, and it’s available now at drugstores, Ulta and ulta.com.

Philip Kingsley Swimcap

Neat!

Originally created for the US Synchronized Swimming team, Philip Kingsley Swimcap is basically a thick, leave-in lotion with UV protection (the bottle doesn’t say what the SPF rating is though) to safeguard your mop from the damaging effects of chlorine and saltwater.

Just work it into damp hair, section by section, comb it through, and leave it in while you’re out breaking hearts and swimming records at the pool.

And you won’t have to reapply while you’re there, because it’s super thick, and you can feel it completely coating your strands.

To remove, just use shampoo and conditioner. It’s $35 for a 5.07-ounce tube, and it’s available now online.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen