Staying Safe in the Sun: Complete Sun Protection for the Gardener

Spring has officially arrived, the sun is shining, and the garden is calling! Gardeners (and those who prefer to look at pretty landscapes rather than plant them!) this post is for you.

For as many gardening tools there are on the market, the most often overlooked, and arguably most important, tools should center on sun protection. I can get almost anything done in the garden with limited supplies, but I never step foot outside without SPF and a hat. Sun protection is crucial for all skin tones. But, not all SPF is equal. I have tried so many products throughout the years, and I am here to report that not all SPF is created equal. It can be hard to find trusted products, so here are my top SPF recommendations.

For the Face with Tint

I consider my face the most important part of my body to thoroughly protect from the sun. For many, many years I used a very popular high end tinted moisturizer with SPF 30. It wasn’t a “clean” brand and when I switched over to clean beauty, I wanted to find a SPF that would work as an everyday "bare face" look or as a base under foundation for those days I wanted to wear makeup. Enter Saie Beauty! Saie’s Sunvisor is incredibly dewy, radiant and made from zinc oxide that doesn’t leave a white residue on my skin. 
I layer this with Saie’s Slip Tint in shade Three and A Half: Medium for a perfectly flawless look. Slip Tint evens out my redness and leaves me looking fresh faced, with flawless, glowing skin. Slip Tint is a SPF 35 made from all natural ingredients.

For the Face without Tint

For bare face coverage, nothing beats Tula's broad spectrum sunscreen gel, which goes on sheer and doesn't leave behind a white cast. It is a clean and cruelty free product, and is powered by botanical ingredients such as pineapple & papaya.

For Baby

California Baby is our go-to for natural skincare for Seraphina. We had the opportunity to get to know California Baby’s founder, Jessica Iclisoy. Her products speak to me because she grows her own botanical ingredients at her California farm. Their LA facility goes the extra step in terms of sustainability; it is FDA registered, certified organic, and solar powered! California Baby is revolutionizing body products by introducing "a first-of-its-kind preservative system that relies on 100% plant-based content.”

For the Body

While I suggest full coverage clothing while gardening, when the temperatures soar, it's nice to bare some skin. In either case, SPF for your body is essential. My pro tip: be sure to slather the tops of your hands to prevent sun spots and aging. This is an often-overlooked part of the body when it comes to sun protection. I love this sheer mineral sunscreen from Babo because it is non-greasy, easy to apply, and it is enriched with Calendula, Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter, for a nourishing experience.

Hats - For the most complete sun protection, hats are essential. By covering your skin with SPF and wearing a hat, you are ensuring total protection, and for as much time as I spend in the garden, under California's intense sun, I've come to own an abundance of hats! The hats I’m sharing with you are both stylish and useful! They are my tried-and-true favorites.

I have several of these LoveShackFancy baseball caps. They’re on sale now! They are high quality and wash beautifully!

This bucket hat is so sweet and the fabric is luxurious. I have it and a matching visor. This is one of Loeffler Randall’s signature prints they make for shoes as well. 

My ultimate hat! This hat is a splurge but so worth it. You can change out the ribbons and everything about it is so perfect for summer, travel and gardening. If you’re in need for a high quality, beautiful woven hat, you will absolutely love Sarah Bray Bermuda!

David Austin Garden Roses

The world's most loved and cherished garden roses for English breeder, David Austin.

Shop The Collection
Constance

Constance

18 Lux Roses
$99.00
order now
Juliet

Juliet

18 Lux Roses
$99.00
order now
Keira

Keira

18 Lux Roses
$99.00
order now