Between boat days out on the lake, weekend beach trips, pickleball matches that somehow always land at high noon, and lazy afternoons at the neighborhood pool, our skin barely gets a break this time of year. Even walking Pepper around the block turns into ten minutes of unplanned sun exposure. Summer around here means we’re outside constantly — which also means sunscreen, after-sun recovery, and a cute cover-up live permanently in the car, not just the beach bag.
We’ve rounded up our go-to picks for sun protection, after-sun recovery, and coverage that actually gets worn — whether you’re on the boat, the court, or just out on a walk with your own four-legged shadow.
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CeraVe Invisible Oil-Free Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
♥ What I Love
Gentle enough for sensitive skin but tough enough for a full day on the boat. No white cast, no stinging eyes, and the ceramides mean my skin isn’t tight and dry by the time we’re back at the dock. This is the one that lives in my bag from May through September.
Banana Boat 360 Sport Sunscreen Mist SPF 50
♥ What I Love
This is the one that lives in my pickleball bag. One quick spray between games, sweat-and-water resistant, and it doesn’t leave my hands greasy for my next serve. So easy to use with the clever spray handle. Covers arms and shoulders in seconds when you’re rotating courts all morning.
Sun Bum Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion
♥ What I Love
Kept in the fridge all summer for exactly this reason — nothing feels better after a long day on the lake than this cool, aloe-packed lotion. Non-sticky and it actually absorbs instead of sitting on top of the skin.
Banana Boat Moisturizing After Sun Lotion with Aloe & Vitamin E
♥ What I Love
The budget-friendly big bottle we keep by the back door for whoever comes in from the pool looking a little pink. A little goes a long way and it smells like summer.
UPF 50+ Swim Cover-Up Dress
♥ What I Love
Thrown on over a swimsuit for the walk from the boat dock to lunch, or dinner right off the beach. Lightweight, actually blocks UV instead of just looking cute, and it packs down to nothing in a beach bag.
UPF Long-Sleeve Rash Guard
♥ What I Love
My go-to for pickleball on brutal-sun days — breathable, doesn’t overheat, and means one less spot I have to remember to reapply sunscreen. Two great options to choose in lots of cute colors. Also doubles as a quick throw-on for a shady dog walk with Pepper, who has never once needed sun protection herself and never lets us forget it.
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