As we move into the latter part of May and get to enjoy more and more sunshine, we know that the days of endless sun and clear blue skies will soon be here. With the change in weather, it is time to update your skincare and make up routine.

We should be wearing SPF products all year around but it’s easy to forget about them in the frigid, snowy months of winter (I am guilty of it myself!) In the warmer months, it is critical that SPF protection is a key element in everyone’s skincare regime, whether you’re a makeup junkie or bare-faced beauty.  With the multitude of products now containing SPF, there is no reason to go unprotected, regardless of the weather.  I’ve rounded up my personal picks of super-power sunscreens —multi-purpose products that do more than just protect you from the harmful rays, so there’s no excuse not to incorporate them in your daily routine!

I will be the first person to admit that I generally hate the feeling of sunscreen on my face. I have sensitive, combination skin which is definitely way more oily than dry in the summer. Usually when I put sunscreen on, I feel like I am adding another layer of grease onto my skin. Add to that the white pigment in the sunscreen leaves my pale-to-medium skin looking chalky and sallow. Enter La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid with SPF 45.  This sunscreen is specifically designed to be worn under make up and acts as the perfect primer because of its matte finish. It also won’t trigger breakouts like most sunscreens, as it is specifically tested on sensitive skin, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic AND contains anti-oxidants.  It proves that good things do come in small packages.

We are bombarded with information that any tan is bad for your skin but when was the last time pale skin was a major trend for summer? Hello self-tanner.  I have been using Jergens Natural Glow & Protect Daily Moisturizer for years when I want to add a touch of color to my pasty, hidden-from-the-sun for months legs. It is the perfect product for self-tanning novices or those who don’t have time and/or precision to ensure every spot is exfoliated and evenly covered (me). I was thrilled when they added UVA/UVB protection and SPF 20 to the formula. Now you don’t have to worry about layering another cream on top of your self-tan and increasing the risk of ruining your application—and outfit!—and you’re protected from harmful rays.

As a self-confessed lip product junkie, I am always looking for a lip balm that is the perfect color for my pale-to-medium complexion but will still keep my lips hydrated. MAC Tinted lip conditioner spf 15 PETTING PINK is a personal favorite. It not only smells amazing and provides the perfect touch of pink to your lips but it also contains SPF 15. We often forget that our lips require just as much protection, if not more, as the rest of our face. Think about how thin the skin on your lips is, and they’re constantly being exposed to the elements of summer.  This is why they’ll love this nourishing, protective balm!

So you’ve found a sunscreen that doesn’t irritate your skin, but why not have a concealer that offers a bit of sun protection as well? bareMinerals Multi-Tasking Concealer contains SPF 20 and is a mineral powder, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin. (And I can vouch for that!) I would not recommend using it in place of sunscreen, as you would never use enough concealer to get the equivalent amount of sunscreen coverage but it provides a little extra boost to your sunscreen base, while covering all imperfections. It also glides on smoothly over traditional sunscreens and gets rid of the aforementioned chalky-face. In summer when I’m looking for lightweight coverage, I’ll apply the La Roche Posay sunscreen as my base and supplement it with this concealer on the spots where I need a bit more coverage, like dark eye circles and zits.

SPF products may not be as colorful and exciting as nail polishes and shadows but they are essentials in any girl’s make up bag. Invest now and your skin will thank you in the future!

Photo: Flickr @josvanderplas