I need recs for a cute sun hat and facial sunblock that won't make me a zitty mess.

[MontrealMum]

I have this hat: http://www.rei.com/product/732926 and I love it. I needed something that's packable, not straw or other mesh-like weaves, and that has a strap (it's sometimes very windy). It's up to you if it's cute or not, but thought I'd suggest it. I loaned it to my mom last year and ended up having to buy her one too.

I spend a lot of time trying to find sunscreens that won't aggrevate my eczema, and also protect my fair skin. I don't have acne but have rosacea issues (can look like acne) with certain ingredients so I'm very careful with my cosmetics etc. and rarely use 'mainstream' stuff anymore. Both my parents have had bouts with skin cancer so it's something that I take quite seriously.

So far my Ok (no burn, no breakout) sunscreen list includes: Vichy, La Roche-Posay, Avene, Biotherm, Blue Lizard, California Baby, and Badger. Some of those rank well on the database, some don't, and some aren't even in there. Avene doesn't break me out, but it is hard to spread, and Badger is highly scented FWIW. Some people also like Vanicream for it's low EWG rating, but it made me break out almost immediately. Here in Canada we have easy access to the French sunscreen brands that use minesol so I've been using them for years; I only recently tried CA Baby, Blue Lizard and Badger.

[maestramommy]

I don't use Pro-Activ, but I have acne prone skin (yes still at the age of 41!). Neutrogena Dry Touch works great and doesn't make me break out. It's non comedegenic, and the Dry Touch keeps my skin from feeling greasy. I LOVE it. When I was spending a lot of time at high altitude in SoCal, I used the spf 45, but here I just use the 30.

[wendibird22]

Do you wear makeup? I have acne prone skin and use bare minerals. It has an spf of 15. Most days that's all I need to keep my face from burning. I see they also make an spf 30 product: http://bareescentuals.com/on/demandw...gid=BM_PROTECT

[pastrygirl]

I have the Oasis Sombrero posted above and love it! For facial sunscreen, I use Devita.

[Green_Tea]

You guys are awesome!! Thanks so much for all the links and suggestions. I am madly making notes and lists .

[TwoBees]

Do you wear makeup? I have acne prone skin and use bare minerals. It has an spf of 15. Most days that's all I need to keep my face from burning. I see they also make an spf 30 product: http://bareescentuals.com/on/demandw...gid=BM_PROTECT

I hate to be a downer, but no powder sunblock is going to provide enough protection.

I have been using Olay Complete Sensitive SPF 30 for years with very good results. I burn driving in the car so I must always wear sunblock on my face. The sensitive version (which is harder to find) has 6% zinc, a physical UV blocker. It is very light and nongreasy, and wears well under makeup. I use it as my facial moisturizer every morning. Let it sink in for about 20 minutes before applying makeup.

Make sure to get the SPF 30 one, the others do not contain zinc even if they are labeled "sensitive"
http://www.olay.com/skin-care-produc...d=075609011023

[MommyofAmaya]

I hate hats, but have to wear them b/c I have melasma. I have bought dozens and finally found one I will wear. It is packable, UPF 50 and comes in over 20 colors.

http://www.amazon.com/Scala-Womens-C...pd_sim_dbs_a_3

ETA: I saw Gael Greene (food critic and Top Chef Masters judge wearing this hat (one of MANY) on the show, with a huge flower attached of course).

[mmommy]

I highly recommend this roll-up hat. I wear mine every day in the summer, and get compliments on it daily.
http://www.amazon.com/San-Diego-Hat-...8437595&sr=1-8