Protect Your Skin from the Sun!

For my face:

1. Laneige Skin Veil Base (SPF 26 PA+) - The green base counteracts the redness of my skin.
2. Laneige Sun Block Leports (SPF 50+ PA+++) - I'm considering to stop using this because SPF is too high, my face gets a little itchy at the end of the day, but nothing too serious... My sister is also allergic to products that are high in SPF (read paragraph below for more details)
3. Clinique Derma White liquid makeup (SPF 15 PA++) - I only apply a thin layer of this on my apple of my cheeks, and a little bit on my forehead as I find that applying too much will make my face too white... I guess the colour is not right for my skin :S
4. Laneige Sliding Pact Powder in Bright Skin Tone (SPF 35 PA++) - After applying sunscreen and liquid foundation, you face may get sticky. Applying powder keeps the skin feeling fresher and helps to keep your makeup in place. I do like this compact a lot, and prefer this packaging over the newer version. I have no idea where I put my newer one :S

For my body:

5. Laneige Sun Block Cool (SPF 25 PA++) - I like the applicator. You can simply spray some on your body, and rub it with your hands afterward. The sunscreen feels like a little thicker than a mist, which gives that cool effect (hence the name :P)

For those of you who don't know, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It's a value that indicates how much longer the sunscreen can protect you before you start experiencing sunburn. For example, if you take around 20 mins to burn, a SPF15 sunscreen will allow you to stay in the sun for 300 minutes before burning. Now, higher SPF may cause irritation if the user is sensitive to the active ingredients in sunscreen. Possible side effects include allergic reactions such as rashes. SPF30 is enough for an individual that is very fair-skinned. PA stands for Protection Grade of UVA. Newer sunscreens in the market contain UVA filters that protect effect against UVA. Choose more + signs if you are staying you in the sun for longer period of time.

Personally, I am extremely pale, and can burn very easily. Oftentimes, I get more freckles than I get dark, so sunscreen is very important to me, especially on days that I know I'll be under the sun for the whole day. Lately, I've been doing a lot of outdoor activities - visiting Canada's Wonderland, the Toronto Zoo, and Woodbine Beach. Everytime, I worry about getting sunburns cause I know how painful they can get (I've gotten plenty in the past). I make sure I put on layers of sunscreen before I go out, and will bring a bottle or two to reapply throughout the day.

The above picture is right before I headed out to the beach. I applied number 1 through 5, then some eyeliner, mascara, and a little bit of blush, and viola! A natural face for going outdoors.

Here are some pictures from the zoo :)

How do you protect your skin from the sun?