The biggest holiday of summer is here, and I’m gonna give you a few pointers to keep yourself safe while you’re stuntin in the the sunshine- whether it be at a picnic, beach, or by the pool! When I say stuntin, please don’t be offended. For the purposes of this blog, let’s just define stuntin as having your gear on point (see “#1 Stunnas” by the Big Tymers for more information… unless you have sensitive ears). I’m sure most of you will be running around picking out new outfits and supplies for the 4th of July Weekend. I’ll give you a few ideas of things you can add to make those outfits safe for the sun. That’s right, you can actually feel better about your next trip to the mall and consider them purchases for your health:

The Clothes

Of course long-sleeves and pants would offer the best sun protection, but I bet most of you are gonna be a lot less covered than that this weekend. Let’s be real, that is NOT practical. Try wearing some linen pants, a maxi dress, or a cover-up at the beach to get a little extra protection.

The Hat

Hats with large brims all the way around offer really great sun protection. The bigger the brim, the better, because they cover your face, ears, and the back of your neck. Be careful with straw hats that are loosely woven, because they let more UV rays through.

The Shades

Sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays are the best for protecting your eyes from the sun. They also protect your eyes by preventing cataracts and protecting the delicate skin around your eyes.

Sunscreen

No matter what your skin color, you need sunscreen!!! It protects your skin from UV rays. Black people get sunburned too! When you come inside after a day in the sun and notice you’re a little darker, you’ve been burned! You should use a sunscreen that is at least SPF 15. Reapply it every 2 hours you’re in the sun or more if you sweat or swim.

Makeup

Make sure that lip gloss is poppin- with a little SPF 15! Lots of cosmetics companies are now offering products with SPF including foundation, primers, lip glosses, and moisturizers. If you’re wearing makeup, try to start incorporating products with extra sun protection. Some of my favorite brands offering SPF from both ends of the price spectrum are Revlon and Bobbi Brown.

So make sure you protect yourself from the sun while you’re out this weekend. I’ve given you a lot of options, so I expect to see some of you Divas out there in your maxi dresses with wide-brimmed hats, fabulous stunna shades, and SPF lip gloss this weekend! Happy 4th of July!

Be happy. Be healthy. Be a Stunna.

- Leslie

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