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After this last weekend’s gorgeous weather here in New York, we’re all eager for some well-deserved vacation time in the sun. (Summer feels so close!) The last thing we want to worry about when we’re on our way to paradise is whether our sunscreen will explode in our bags mid-flight or not make it past airport security all together—and we don’t really want to lug a gallon-sized bottle in our beach bags (we need room for those other outdoor beauty essentials!)

This summer, we’re taking a lighter (and more travel-friendly) route with the help of Birchbox Man. They’ve tracked down 5 hassle-free alternatives for clean, efficient, and portable sun protection that will take us to the beach and beyond.

—Bre

Get the scoop on SPF and sunscreen from Supergoop! founder Holly Thaggard.

So You Think You’re a Sunscreen Expert?

We know our readers are a smart bunch—but we’d bet that even the most sun-savvy folks still have a few things that they could learn about sun protection and SPF.

Case in point: Earlier this month we met with the founder of Supergoop! and sunscreen expert, Holly Thaggard. She set us straight about some common SPF myths including how long sunscreen really lasts, and the truth about using water-resistant formulas. Before you venture outside this weekend, watch the video below to brush up on any tips you may not have known:

—Lorelei

Shop our favorite Supergoop! products in the Birchbox Shop this weekend.

Let Kelly Osborne Serve As A Cautionary Tale—Slather Up!

Nothing makes my skin crawl quite like seeing someone with a bad sunburn. As a fair skinned person myself, I’ve been there before. Aside from a bad burn being incredibly uncomfortable—little things like putting on a bra can be agony—you also feel major remorse that you’ve done irrevocable damage to your skin. (Oh, and let’s not forget the post-burn peeling. Ick.)

I got that same slightly nauseated feeling when I saw this pic that Kelly Osborne tweeted the other day with the hastag #Imsmart. I turned my own sun protection corner in 2004 after a particularly traumatic burn while in the Bahamas on spring break, and haven’t suffered another burn since. When I see a picture like Kelly’s it makes me wonder why more people aren’t as on top of sun protection as they could be. While everyone makes the occasional mistake, we all know by now just how important SPF is. To keep yourself from suddenly finding yourself lobster red, here are a couple of my favorite SPF products, plus a must-watch primer on the lesser-known facts of sunscreen. When it comes to your skin, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Coola SPF 45 Sport: This water-resistant sweat-proof formula is great for the beach or any outdoor activity. I particularly love this one because it’s completely hypoallergenic and moisturizes with a blend of organic botanicals.
Supergoop!® City Sunscreen Serum: All the antiaging benefits of a serum, plus SPF 30. This is my day-to-day go-to because it’s exceptionally lightweight and perfect under makeup.
Supergoop!® Advanced SPF 37 Anti-Aging Eye Cream: My new favorite thing. I tend to avoid my eye area when applying sunscreen, and this targeted cream ensures that I protect the most sensitive area of my face.

—Meredith

And here’s even more info on SPF if you want to be really sun savvy.

Skin Cancer 101: Melanoma Screening Tips from ZocDoc’s Dr. Arthur Colsky

There are only a few weeks of bona fide summer left, but just because beach days are coming to an end, that doesn’t mean you should be any less vigilant about your sun protection. Now is the time to keep an eye out for early warning signs of skin cancer like melanoma—which is why we enlisted ZocDoc dermatologist Dr. Arthur Colsky to tell us his best tips for monitoring and preventing a sun damage skin disaster.

Supergoop! Makes It Easy to Wear SPF Every Day

Sunscreen should be a key part of our daily beauty routines, but I’ll be the first to admit that I often skip this crucial step. While I’m aware that frolicking about sans sunscreen is dangerous (even if I’m just headed to the office), the idea of adding a sunscreen to my already elaborate beauty routine seems daunting. I also live in perpetual fear of breakouts and thinking about layering a thick, greasy formula on my face is enough to have me running to my dermatologist (miss you, Dr. Schweiger!).

The answer to my conundrum: Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum. This lightweight formula is a sunscreen and moisturizer in one, making it easy for me to add SPF to my morning regimen.

Packing List: Bali

Our editor Meredith just jetted off on the ultimate island vacay: Bali. We couldn’t be more jealous of her exotic destination—the closest we’ve ever gotten is Eat, Pray, Love. All week, she’ll be exploring temples, lounging on white sand beaches, and eating plenty of spicy Indonesian food. The only perils? Heat, humidity, dehydration, and, oh yeah, getting sand in everything. Here are the team’s suggestions for what to take on an exotic adventure—whether it’s to Bali or beyond!

KOR Aura Water Bottle: ”When you’re traveling a long way, staying hydrated on the plane is critical. Over-spending at airport concession stands, however, is not. That’s why I’d recommend packing a reusable bottle in your carry on. Just don’t fill the bottle until you’ve passed security!” -Caroline

Why SPF Down Under is a Whole Lot Better

Here at Birchbox HQ, we are serious about sunblock (see exhibit A). But the Aussies take sun protection to a whole new level. Find out how here.

Get the Scoop Behind the FDA’s New SPF Regulations

Every summer, the prospect of choosing a sunscreen inspires the same set of questions: How high should I go SPF-wise? Which ingredients are safe? What does “broad spectrum” really mean? This year, we have a little help from the experts themselves: the FDA just released a new set of SPF regulations designed to help consumers choose wisely. The agency has been monitoring sunscreen labels since 1978, but this marks the first time they’ve stepped in to overhaul the way the industry labels its products. Although the changes technically went into effect this past Monday, don’t expect to see them kick in immediately—in order to prevent a sunscreen shortage, the FDA is allowing stores to continue selling existing bottles of SPF. Large companies will have a year to update their labels, while smaller companies will have two years.

Click through for a brief rundown of the new guidelines: