Over the years, I’ve become more committed to protecting my skin from the sun. After years of beauty blogging and reading about the aging effects of sun damage, I’ve realized that sunscreen is not sufficient to truly shield my skin from the sun…I need physical protection too!
These days I have no shame in wearing a large hat while outdoors. Yes, I felt self-conscious the first time – just like I felt conspicuous the first time I wore red lipstick. But I realized that it only looks odd if you feel uncomfortable – nobody else really cares, and now, it’s become second nature.
I’ve heard that the face, neck and hands are the first places to show signs of aging, so I wanted to figure out a way to physically protect them from the sun. I remembered reading about Coolibar and their range of sun protective clothing on The Skiny, so I reached out to the company and asked if they were interested in working with me on a “Sun Kit” – an easy and stylish way to transition any summer outfit for a day in the sun.
Coolibar uses UPF50 SUNTECT fabric to create sun protection clothing that block 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Their name comes from Eucalyptus Coolabah, an Australian tree that provides shade and protection from the sun. I picked 3 Coolibar items to create my instant Sun Kit: the Ruche Water Jacket, Tropicana Sun Hat & Fingerless Gloves.
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| Before & After: Ready for the sun |
The jacket is such a pretty shade of pink. It looks like a yoga jacket and can be worn casually with jeans or even over a swimsuit at the beach (it’s saltwater and chlorine resistant). The sunhat has a generous 4-inch brim and tightly woven straw fabric to effectively shield my face. I love the structured brim – floppy sun hats that block visibility are one of my pet peeves! It comes with a removable black sash – I threaded in a pink ponytail scarf to make it more me. The gloves are perfect for any long days out driving, hiking or at the beach. It’s so important to protect your hands from the sun…when it’s extra hot out, I can feel my skin getting shriveled up!
Tropicana Sun Hat Giveaway:
Get a head start on your Sun Kit! Coolibar has generously offered a Tropicana Sun Hat ($49.50) for one Ella Pretty Blog follower (US & Canada only). Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter:
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Find Coolibar here: Website / Twitter / Facebook.
Click here to learn more about why you should wear sun protection clothing
How do you protect your skin from the sun?
DISCLAIMER: The sun kit items were provided by Coolibar – but I initiated contact because I truly believe in the effectiveness of their products.
Linking up with More Pieces of Me and On the Daily Express.
Love your quote about "It only looks odd if you feel uncomfortable." TRUTH. When you just wear something and own it with confidence (unless it's a Halloween costume in July) no one will notices or cares! We're all too busy thinking about ourselves. Just like you, I've started to just do what I need to in order to protect my skin. Hats, sunscreen, covered shoulders….I was pretty careless in my youth and did some serious damage. But now I try a lot harder to be careful!Gina– On the Daily Express
It's so funny that it took me so long to realize that it was OK to be different (although hopefully sun hats will become the norm anyway!). I used to feel so self-conscious before – I think blogging has helped me be more comfortable with my clothing choices 😉
I agree the jacket is the most amazing shade of pink, the best. Love the pretty necklace too.
Thanks Imogen – it's such a vibrant colour – I love it!
Ella your hat is beautiful and definitely adds flair to your simple outfit and brings out the pink cardigan even more. Great quote too.
Thanks!
I agree about the feeling awkward comment. I'm trying to up my sun protection game as well and used an umbrella while at an outdoor art festival a couple weeks ago. Felt really weird about it at first but it's worth it to protect your skin. Coolibar sounds like a great company. Love the hat and jacket. Very stylish and practical.
Way to go! Parasols are amazing for sun protection (and preventing heat stroke headaches) although I haven't used one myself in ages. I think it would be great if sun protection fashion (sun hats, parasols/umbrellas) become more mainstream – it's just such a good idea to protect your skin whenever possible – while still enjoying the outdoors.
I love the hat! You look adorable! I can't believe you would be self-conscious but I guess I was too. My scalp gets burned very easily so I always have to wear a hat when I'm out in the sun for any period of time. Mainly at the beach or pool, but even when I am in the park for more than 15 minutes too! I love that protecting ourselves has finally become more important than being really tan 🙂
Thanks Noelle 🙂 Yes, I definitely would feel self-conscious if I was the only one wearing a hat when everyone else just had sunglasses on – it felt a bit extreme…but now it doesn't bother me as much – and no matter what – the end result is worth it!
Definitely no shame! You look freaking adorable both ways anyway! I love the sun but wished I were more careful in my younger years! Took too much for granted! Carylee | morepiecesofme.com
I know what you mean – definitely wasn't that serious about applying SPF in my younger years either!
I love your outfit! That lace top is perfect, and looks great with the colorful necklace.
Thanks! I love turquoise jewelry with a white shirt 😉
Such great points. I was way too eager to lay out in the sun without any type of SPF as a teenager, and now I'm kicking myself for it. I'm so glad the topic of protecting your skin is more talked about these days!Sequins&Stilettos
Yes – I love that there are so many options out there now to keep our skin protected (mineral & chemical sunscreens, hats, parasols etc!)
This reminds me of the Sex and the City episode where they're at the Hamptons completely covered up with umbrellas and huge hats, meanwhile the 20 year olds are baking in the sun 😉 Great post, am always a big fan of huge hats and huge shades!Mahsa http://www.thecrushworthy.com
I love SATC…I'll have to go back and watch the Hamptons episode – sounds too funny!