We all know sunscreen is a must year round, but especially during the summer. The days are longer and we find ourselves enjoying more time in the sun. My dermatologist often reminds me that sunscreen helps prevent aging skin, but it also plays a key part in preventing skin cancer. As an avid sunscreen wearer, I wanted to share with you my favorites from Nordstrom. And since it is summer, I can’t forget my go-to self tanners! 

5 OF THE BEST SUNSCREENS AND SELF TANNERS FOR SUMMER 2017

1. BEST SELF TANNING MOUSSE : VITA LIBERATA PHENOMENAL TINTED TAN MOUSSE

Let me start by saying- I’ve tried a lot of different self tanners out there. And in my opinion, spray or mousse  formulas blend the best. The Vita Liberata pHenomenal Tan Mousse is a great product. I actually have quite a few products from them and have been very pleased with the brand. Aside from having amazing formulas that deliver a natural looking tan, a big difference is that Vita Liberata is certified organic. This mousse stands out to me because it is a cool brown with minimal orange tones.

To prevent dark palms, you need to apply with a mitt. I honestly was not a fan of the Vita Liberata Tanning Mitt and preferred this one much better. There’s some speculation that a mitt wastes product but I really don’t think it wastes that much product. I love using a mitt because it helps the tanner blend well and doesn’t leave me with tanned palms.

2. BEST POWDER BRONZER: NARS CONTOUR BLUSH

Like I mentioned in my Spring Beauty Must Haves, this is more of a bronzer than a blush. I love the cool brown color and find that it works great for contouring. Personally, I don’t like shimmer in my bronzer. I usually wear a highlighter so I prefer my bronzer to be matte. The NARS Contour Blush is a product I wear every day.

3. BEST OVERALL SUNSCREEN: COOLA SPORT SUNSCREEN SPRAY SPF 50

So I am actually new to the Coola Suncare brand, but after receiving a sample of it from a recent online order, I went ahead and purchased the bigger size. I’ve tried several organic spray sunscreens and always find that they leave my skin with white residue and they are harder to blend. This Coola Spray Sunscreen doesn’t even require blending. It goes on with a fine mist and doesn’t leave white residue on my skin. Highly recommend if you are looking for a sheer sunscreen.

4. BEST FACE SUNSCREEN: SUPERGROUP SETTING MIST

So here’s a fun story. Supergoop! was actually created and founded by a teacher! She was looking for a sunscreen to wear on recess duty that felt good on her skin, was made with clean ingredients and would protect her skin from harmful rays. I’ve been wearing the Defense Refresh Setting Spray for going on 3 years. I am a HUGE fan of this. Not only does it set your makeup, but it also has SPF 50. It doesn’t make my skin oily or shiny. It honestly doesn’t even feel like anything is on my skin.

I often get emails about teacher gifts and this is always at the top of my list. When I was teaching, I bought the mini size bottles and gave them to my team for Beginning of the Year gifts. They loved using it for recess duty or field trips throughout the year.

5. BEST SUNSCREEN + SELF TANNER OIL: VITA LIBERATA DRY OIL SPF 50

This is such a unique product. I’ve tried several “sun oils” but none that have SPF 50, let alone develops a tan.  The Vita Liberata Self Tan Dry Oil gives an instant bronzed look to your skin while offering high SPF coverage. It’s very hydrating and doesn’t dry out your skin.

I apply this with the mitt about 15 minutes before heading to the pool. I would not get in the water for at least an hour or two (the longer it stays on the better). My only issue with this is the smell. It has a copper scent to it but thankfully the smell doesn’t last too long.

Overall, they product works really well. In terms of reapplying, I don’t take this with me to the pool (I need a mirror to apply self tanners ha).  I did use the Coola Sunscreen Spray over the oil, but waited a couple hours before applying.