Somehow, our moms always seem to be right—when it comes to the danger of sun damage, this is especially true. They constantly remind us to protect our skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, and the time has finally come for this precaution to be *trendy* enough for us to listen to their advice. Now more than ever, the importance of incorporating SPF into your daily routine is emphasized in the media. Luckily, numerous companies and clothing brands have been working hard to make sun protection stylish. Keeping your skin healthy will be something you want to do, not just something you need to do.

FEED YOUR SKIN

As the temperature outside rises, so does the UV index. Applying SPF each day is an easy task to forget, but making it a part of your daily routine will set your skin up for success for years to come. One of the easiest ways to make applying sunscreen a habit is investing in a tinted moisturizer that has an SPF of 15 or above. Most skincare and makeup brands offer a form of this. Nars and Laura Mercier have highly rated moisturizers that offer coverage while protecting your skin. If you are trying to save money, Neutrogena, Maybelline, and Cerave offer amazing alternatives that won’t break the bank. So go do your skin a favor and embrace the tinted moisturizer.

BUCKET HATS

You may think there is no way hats could be your thing, but bucket hats are a summer trend you won’t want to miss. Bucket hats come to the rescue on sunny days and bad hair days by protecting your face from sun wrinkles and giving you an extra day to not wash your hair (which is actually totally healthy). They come in different materials, colors, and patterns, so you’ll want one for every outfit. More fashionable styles can be found at stores such as Urban Outfitters, Princess Polly, and even swimwear brands like Frankie’s Bikinis. Next time you leave the house in your summer dress or biker shorts and an oversized t-shirt, top off the look with your favorite bucket hat and you’ll feel both a sense of nostalgia and put-together-ness (if that’s not a word, it is now).

TERRY CLOTH

Beach towel-inspired fabrics for summer? Groundbreaking. Terry cloth halter dresses, triangle wrap swimsuits, and two-piece sets are things that just make sense for summer. During the hotter months, when the only place you want to be is in the pool or at the beach, this absorbent, cotton-based material is ideal for keeping you cool. This trend has been popping up all over social media, and we have a feeling it is here to stay this season. While terry cloth fashion may not prevent sun damage by any means, it can be a perfect accent to your bucket hat, sunglasses, or head scarves.

SUNGLASSES

Being young, it can seem unreasonable to already begin worrying about eye damage. However, UV rays from the sun can cause serious complications in eyesight later down the road, so it’s imperative to start protecting your eyes now. Sunglasses are a timeless accessory that help shield your face while embellishing an outfit. Some of our favorites come from Forever 21, Shein, Urban Outfitters, and Target. Don’t forget to throw on a pair of sunnies before you embark on your day!

HEAD SCARVES

Sunburns on the top of your head are never a fun side effect of sunshine. If you don’t want to pair a bucket hat with your outfit, head scarves are the way to go! These scarves are all the rage right now, and their versatility allows for innumerable styling options! We love the trending technique that calls for the scarf to be wrapped around the head and tied under the chin. Made out of lightweight material, they will keep your head cool and protected at the same time. Coming in countless colors and patterns, finding one to enhance your spring and summer wardrobe is easy-breezy.

Written by Grace Bercher & Katie Clardy, Photography by Lia Onisiphorou, Design by Madelyn Okruhlik, Media by Josh Carley

Must-Haves Sun Accessories to Beat the Heat