Like the rest of the world, I’ve bought into my fair share of a hope-in-a-jar and expensive swimsuits that promised I’d do the freestyle faster. Here’s a quick roundup on what works:
Target brand’s Up & Up Sport Sunscreen Continuous Spray (SPF 30). Don’t take my word for it — take Consumer Reports. In their July 2010 issue they labeled this spray sunscreen the best based on UVB and UVA protection plus its ability to stay on after water. I don’t particularly care for sprays because they feel oily and weird. Banana Boat tested well, too.
San Diego Hat Company. A variety of cute and well-made hats with wide brims and able to take on water wear. However, the straw-made ones tend to loose their shape when wet.
Inexpensive SPF face moisturizers. I take a lot of my hair care advice from consumer advocate Paula Begoun. She loves to demystify expensive products. These products are as good as the expensive ones: Aveeno Radiant Skin Daily Moisturizer (SPF 15); Beauty Without Cruelty SPF 15 Daily Face Lotion; Cetaphil Dailt Face Moisturizer SPF 15; and just about every Oil of Oly product that has SPF 15 in it.
Inexpensive shampoos. Remember with hair: It’s dead so it cannot be ‘revived’ or the ends ‘healed.’ And the only thing that makes those so-called chlorine-stripping shampoos special is chelating agents found in all these shampoos: L’Oreal Vive Nature’s Therapy; White Rain Extra Body; and Pantene. Step it up a bit in cost to: Kiehl’s, KMS, Jason Organics and ISO.
Best inexpensive hair line. I swear by Neutrogena Triple Moisturizer found at Target. Get the shampoo, conditioner and leave-in stuff if you can find it. Before you get in the pool, wet your hair and run a dab of the leave-in through your locks.
Dolpin “Uglies” Swimsuits. Made from 100% polyester. I wore mine an average 4 days a week and it lasted about a year before the colors really started to get dull. Very inexpensive with a variety of wild styles. I suggest buying from Swimoutlet.com as I find their prices are about 20% cheaper than elsewhere. Very true to size — I’m thin and a small was too small.
Do you have a product to add? Or a question about a particular one on the market? Post your questions here and I will answer!
I completely agree on the Dolfin Uglies. Love them! I wear mine 3 – 4 times a week. I am going on 9 months with my most recent one and it isn’t showing its age yet.
Thanks Leslie. I’ve recently tried the SwimClub suits. They are very inexpensive, have really cute designs and are made of a stretchable polyester. On the downside, some colors fade really fast. Stick to the bright red, black and grey. I order from SwimOutlet.com (much cheaper than Kiefer.com).