Have you ever pulled several tubes of sunscreen out of your golf bag that had been in there all year? Ever wondered, “Does it still work?” The answer is “No,” according to Stacya Silverman, a Seattle esthetician and co-founder of Beauty Alert! “The average sunscreen has a shelf life of about 6 months. However, its efficacy is seriously compromised if it is left in the sun or gets hot. You should throw out the bottles that are left in the car or in the bag.”
Featured in Family Circle, the New York Times and on the Today Show, BeautyAlert! reminds beauty lovers when their products should be thrown away. In doing research for the company, they learned that mascara starts to grow bacteria, such as staph and fungi, in as little as three months. There are stickers you can apply to your products or there’s an iPhone app that sends you a text reminder when it’s time to toss mascara, foundation and sunscreen. It also links to an online retailer to buy more. BeautyAlert.biz
So what are the best sunscreens to use?
Neutrogena Sunscreen
A great option for on the course is Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Bodymist Sunblock. This spray-on formula protects skin from UVA and UVB rays in a light, greaseless mist that is sweatproof, waterproof and can easily be applied over makeup and on the golf course. The can sprays upside down so you can reach your back and hard-to-reach spots. Available in SPF 30 to 100 and costs about $10 at Amazon.com.
Pros: Highly effective and super easy to apply. No need to worry about it expiring – the can will be empty long before then. Cons: We’re not sure if the can is recyclable. Also, I did set off a hotel fire alarm when applying it all over; so make sure the room is well ventilated.
Bare Escentuals Sunscreen
Another easy application option is Bare Escentuals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen. Unlike their other products, this mineral sunscreen is brushed on (over or under makeup) and uses titanium dioxide to protect from UVA & UVB rays. Containing aloe, antioxidants and vitamins, it’s actually healthy for your skin. It comes in three shades and retails for $28 at Sephora.com.
Pros: Easy to apply out to the face on the course and healthy for skin. It can work as sunscreen and bronzer in one! Cons: It can really only be effectively applied to face, neck and ears and it’s not sweatproof or waterproof.
Clarins SPF 40 Sunscreen
If you are looking for a more traditional sunscreen, or one mixed with a moisturizer, Clarins UV Plus Day Screen is amazing. With an SPF of 40, this lightweight moisturizer protects against UVA, UVB and pollution. Made with all natural ingredients, it is great for all skin types, including sensitive. Retails for $42 at Sephora.com.
Pros: Is a great moisturizer and sunscreen. Sweat and water resistant. Cons: Can’t really reapply to face after your makeup is on.
Aveda's Hair Sunscreen
So what about your hair? Sunshine is one of the fastest ways to ruin your hair color. Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil adds a little shine to your locks and protects hair from dryness, damage, and color from fading. Spray it on in the locker room or before you leave the house (it works up to 16 hours). It retails for $26 and is available online at Aveda.com.
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