How to Incorporate SPF into Your Everyday Routine

Pooja's Prior SPF Mentality:

"Before this experience I rarely used SPF unless I was going to be spending the day outside at the park or beach, and when I did I would go straight for the waterproof sport 60+ formulas (getting it off at the end of the day was a doozy). I always thought the only effective type of formula was a lotion and so if I didn't apply it before my makeup it was a lost cause."

Mengly's Prior SPF Mentality:

Ive never been one to consciously and purposely use products with SPF; as a woman of caribbean descent Ive never been inclined to. Ive always felt that my darker skin tone was meant to be exposed to the sun rays without having to worry about sun damage. It wasnt even in my mind to think about. Instead I would slather on oil and attract as much sun as I could to make my skin nice and tanned. With that said, I am also a very open-minded person, so I'm receptive to the idea of integrating it into my routine.

With our work cut out for us, we offered up some non-traditional formulas and here's what happened...

Primer: COOLA Classic SPF 30 Dawn Patrol Makeup Primer
This one's a no brainer. If you already use primer under your makeup, swap it out for this nourishing plant-infused formula with SPF 30. Mengly noted, So this is my first layer, and Im already putting something on that will protect me from the sun! It smells nice and goes on smooth. After wearing it all day, she did express that that she wished the formula had been a bit more hydrating. Pooja noted that with solutions like primers, there's now an easy way to wear [SPF] everyday.

Lip + cheek color: Supergoop! Perk Up! Lip & Cheek Treat SPF 40
In our eyes, any protection is good protection. Mengly found her favorite in this makeup-sunscreen hybrid. This has become one of my favorite products. The cool thing about this is that youre replacing something that's already in your daily routine with something that has added SPF. It's a really pretty hue and goes on super super sheer, so I love that.

Lip balm: Kiehls Butterstick Lip Treatment SPF 25
When Pooja tested this popular tinted balm, she noted it "really does feel like butter on your lips," and actually double-checked with the team that there was even SPF in it! If youre a lover of lip balm, this one is an easy substitute to protect your lips from the sun.

Tinted moisturizer/BB cream: Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45
If youre already using foundation or a tinted moisturizer, why not kill two birds with one stone and add some SPF protection. Menglys favorite? A tinted moisturizer with SPF. This is for people that like to still have a natural look, thats my motto. I like to even out the skin tone but I dont like to look like I have makeup on!

Setting spray: COOLA SPF 30 Organic Makeup Setting Spray
Already put on a full face and realized you forgot your SPF? Spritz this on and you're all set...literally! This multitasker adds protection and helps your makeup last all day. Poojas thoughts after day one: SPF and a setting spray? Thats great. Yesterday it helped my makeup stay on all day. I went to work, dinner, everything, and [my makeup] stayed on!

By the end of the week, we're happy to report that Pooja and Mengly were much more open-minded to the concept of incorporating SPF into their routines. Final thoughts, ladies?

Pooja's SPF Realization:

"The most fun part of this challenge was figuring out how to incorporate SPF in a way that actually fits into my life. Since I previously only used lotions, I was limiting myself in opportunities to layer it into my routine. Now with solutions like primers and setting sprays I've discovered easy alternatives to wear it everyday while still having the heavy hitters like mineral sticks and body sprays for the weekends outside!"

Mengly's SPF Realization:

"I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised with some of the products I tried. Specifically, Supergoop!'s lip & cheek balm (my fave)."