Sun Safety, But Make It Chic

Teaching sun safety is one of those parenting ideals that sounds serene in theory and plays out very differently in real life.

In my case, it involves Lulu clocking my intentions from across the pool, physically recoiling the moment sunscreen appears, and me becoming extremely selective about what I’m willing to fight over.

Which is why this guide exists.

These are the sunscreens I trust, the ones I’ll happily use on myself, and the ones Lulu will tolerate. Plus the hats that make sun protection feel chic rather than punitive.

Because if it looks good, it’s far more likely to happen.

For kids – and for long, exposed pool days – physical sunscreens still matter. But let’s be honest: a white cast is often part of the deal.

The ones I reach for most often: 

• Mother SPF
  

  Clean, mineral protection that feels thoughtful and gentle – the kind you’re comfortable putting on kids without hesitation.

• Mukti Organics
  

  Organic, calm and skin-friendly. A reassuring choice when sensitive skin is part of the equation.

•  Go To Skincare
  

  The zinc sunscreen that manages to feel modern and wearable – which is no small achievement for mineral SPF.

• Fuca
  

  A lighter, easier-to-spread mineral sunscreen that doesn’t fight you quite as much as most zinc formulas.

• Simka Sheer Mineral Milk
  

  Fluid and surprisingly elegant for a mineral sunscreen, with a softer finish than you’d usually expect.

They’re gentle, effective and trustworthy – even if they do leave that tell-tale sheen. This is where hats and timing become your allies.

And like any good skincare step, sunscreen works best when it becomes part of your routine – just like a nightly beauty ritual.