8 essential sun products and tips for summer

Care for your hair. The sun’s rays can cause colour-treated hair to change tone, making it brassy, dull and dry, and can even lead to premature thinning. Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil is a lightweight and water-resistant UV defence spray that provides invisible protection for up to 16 hours. $36, aveda.ca>

Use the right amount. Spread two tablespoons of sunscreen over your face and body 20 minutes before sun exposure. Don’t rub it in too much—let it absorb naturally into your skin. Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion Sensitive Skin won’t clog pores and absorbs rapidly, making it easy to apply.   $12, rexall.ca>

Take it with you. For fast on-the-go coverage, try a spray mist. Always spray it onto your hands to apply it to your face. Vichy Ideal Soleil Invisible Mist SPF 50 goes on clear and dries quickly. $32, shoppersdrugmart.ca>

Buy broad spectrum. There are two types of rays to watch out for: UVA (known to cause premature aging) and UVB (linked to sunburns). A broad-spectrum sunscreen will shield you from the full range of rays, and using SPF 30 offers 97 percent coverage. Biotherm Brume Solaire Dry Touch SPF 30 protects as it hydrates, with no sticky finish. $37,rexall.ca>

Target hot spots. When applying sunscreen, the five most commonly missed spots are the tops of feet, nose, ears, bald spots and chest. Sun Bum Broad Spectrum Face Stick is super convenient and goes on quickly with one swipe. $13, shoppersdrugmart.ca>

Sweat, swim, repeat. The rule is that you should reapply sunscreen to clean, dry skin every two hours—but more often if you’re sweating heavily or swimming. Our poolside pick, Shiseido Wetforce Ultra Sun Protection Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ for Face/Body. It acts like a barrier on wet skin, actually increasing UV protection when mixed with minerals from water or sweat. $49, sephora.ca>

Be gentle. Got sensitive skin? A mineral sunscreen containing zinc is especially great for delicate areas. Avène’s Very High ProtectionMineral Cream SPF 50+ is a chemical-free sunscreen full of skin-boosting antioxidants that are great for the face. $28, shoppersdrugmart.ca>

Check expiry dates. Your sunscreen should not last you all summer. Use it every day, all year round, because once it expires, it’s no longer effective. Ombrelle Ultra Light Advanced Weightless Body Lotion is an ultra-fluid lotion that’s perfect for daily use.

$25, well.ca>