It’s that time of year again—time to hit the road, light up some fireworks, and enjoy a weekend-long celebration of everything Americana.
But before you jump in that pool or lake, check out these beauty products. They'll help protect you from outdoor elements and leave you looking like a sun-kissed summer goddess.
Fourth of July and Lake of the Ozarks go hand-in-hand for many St. Louisans. With water, though, come mosquitoes. Avoid pesky mosquito bites with insect repellents containing DEET (N,N,-diethyl-meta-toluamide), a chemical that detracts mosquitoes. I recommend 3M’s Ultrathon Insect Repellent 8. It comes in an easy-to-use aerosol can and provides up to eight hours of protection against mosquito and deer-tick bites, insects that can carry West Nile Virus and Lyme disease.
Badger has become my go-to sunscreen brand, thanks to its lack of ingredients like retinyl palmitate, oxybenzone, and nanoparticles—chemicals found in some mainstream sunscreens. Badger’s active ingredient, non-nano uncoated zinc oxide, protects against the sun, and its all-natural ingredients—like sunflower vitamin E and seabuckthorn—protect even the most sensitive skin.
Bobbi Brown All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15
When you’re not diving headfirst into outdoor activities this weekend, get a little glam with Bobbi Brown’s All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15. Not only does Bobbi Brown’s bronzer give you a perfect sun-kissed glow, but it also works as an all-over body bronzer. Best of all, you don’t have to commit to color, thanks to its makeup-like formula that lets you wash off the bronzer with a simple cleanser.
Don’t fret about frizzy hair this Fourth. John Frieda’s Frizz-Ease Polishing Serum is a great frizz-fighter that won’t break the bank. Just a dime-size amount on wet or towel-dried hair will help prevent frizz. Use it with or without hot tools for gorgeous hair.
Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25
After spending time in the Arizona sun, I was reminded of the importance of a lip balm packed with SPF. Of course, everyone wants properly hydrated lips, but keeping your lips protected is of equal importance. Check out Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25. It soothes and hydrates chapped lips, while protecting against further damage.
