I used to be a regular beach bum, visiting as many as six to eight beaches a year (as in, maps to various towns and provinces with major beaches were always found in my everyday purse).  I’ve only had two very short trips to the beach since last year though, and now that summer’s here I can’t wait to kick back and relax again!  Then this package arrived for me and I knew it was a sign that I need that beach vacation now.  I couldn’t contain my excitement, and my eyes immediately lit up when I saw its contents.  Gosh!  This package got lost in my parents’ house for some time and I’m glad we just found it yesterday–this box just about contained my idea of beach heaven (minus the super cool, milky mango shake, haha).

What’s inside: Beach Hut Lotion Sunblock SPF 100, Beach Hut Face Sunblock SPF 65, a frisbee and an outdoor & 6m snorkeling camera!

I can’t wait to try the frisbee and the underwater camera.  I used to be one of those people who’d just buy a dispoable underwater camera by the beach.  Look how that turned out for me.

That’s a butanding (whale shark) y’all.  I hope this new camera gets me a clearer view next time I try to shoot underwater, haha.

I was a bit surprised, though, I must admit.  Because I know of Beach Hut–their domain name for their website used to be lotionsucks.com, and that made me laugh.  They were the first in the country to produce clear spray sunblock, and I’ve never looked back since.  I was actually expecting this SPF to be in clear spray form, too, but I was mistaken.

But I’m far from disappointed!  I may prefer spray-on SPF, but it’s FRICKIN’ SPF 100!  I haven’t seen anything on the market to top this yet.

I know some people aren’t too keen about clear spray SPF and that if they’re not wearing lotion before sun exposure, they feel like they’re going to end up burned.  Let me just tell you now that I’ve never been sunburned with clear SPF, but if you’re hesitant to try them, then Beach Hut’s new sunblock is a helluva good start.

Usually, the thicker the sunblock, the higher the SPF.  But this is delightfully thin upon application.  It dries up easily, even the white sheen when you first apply sunblock lotion wears off quickly.

It’s touted hypoallergenic, so I suppose it’s safe to use for sensitive skin.

The face sunblock (SPF 65) is even lighter (as you can see, it’s a little more runny), which I think is great because it makes application easier.  You don’t have to tug at your skin and cause wrinkles.  It also says sweatproof, ultra-sheer and “will not sting your eyes”.  I don’t play sports regularly anymore, but I think I’ll test it out on a marathon soon and see if it’s true.

The ingredients

Tips and reminders for tanning and using sunblock:

1) Exfoliate well before going to the beach.  You will inevitably darken, whether you like it or not, and thorough exfoliating will get you a nice, even tan, not that ugly, patchy look.

2) The higher SPF, the slower you darken.  However, don’t attempt tanning without SPF or you will end up with sunburn.  I usually layer tanning oil with some sunblock.

3) Tan with caution.  You know that excess sun can cause skin aging and cancer.  Sunblock is your best defense everyday, even when you’re not at the beach.  In the city, we need at least SPF 15.  I think sunblock is even more important than moisturizing, I never go out of the house without it.

4) I use bandeaus for tanning so I won’t have tanlines on my neck or shoulders.

Where to find Beach Hut:

Landmark, Robinsons, Chris Sports, Olympic Village, Nothing But Water, Stoked Inc., Travel Club, Island Souvenir, PCX, Cash n Carry.

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