It’s been a long 2020, and we’re ready to start winding down towards a well-deserved break. The season of fun and sun is upon us, which means high temperatures, long days spent outside and lots of time at the beach. However, these outdoor activities under the harsh Australian sun do come with risks and the potential for long-term damage to our skin. To keep you protected, we’ve compiled a list of ways to stay smart, stylish and safe as we move into warmer the weather ahead.

Get the sun smarts

The Australian sun packs a punch, and its ultraviolet (UV) radiation can’t be seen or felt. Therefore protecting yourself from the sun’s rays on the daily is essential. The key to youthful, radiant skin is to protect it from UV damage. According to the Cancer Council Australia, applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen is a must, especially as temperatures rise. The recommendation is to apply sunscreen 20 minutes before you head outdoors to create a protective barrier and every two hours afterwards. It can be difficult to apply aerosol sunscreens adequately, therefore opt for a high SPF zinc, lotion or cream partnered with a pair of sunglasses, protective clothing and a hat. After a long day outside the skin craves hydration and nourishment so apply a face mask or liberal layer of whipped moisturiser once at home.

Hats off to a bit of sunshine!

When it comes to warm-weather fashion, the humble hat isn't always the first item that springs to mind – but just like SPF, they are an essential tool in protecting the face and decolletage (the Cancer Council say so too!). Wearing a hat shouldn’t be a drag and the team at Marie Claire, have revealed five hat styles worth donning this season. These include chic bucket hats with extended brims, classic straw styles in mini prairie or elongated cone shapes, relaxed terry towelling, nostalgic playschool shapes and vintage dad caps. Not only can a hat elevate an outfit, but they also provide an added element of sun safety which is a win, win if you ask us. Shop a range of safe sun hats at Big W and Live Life Pharmacy

Sunglass styles of the season

Sunglasses can make for a powerful fashion statement. From classic aviators to oversized frames, the style experts at Who What Wear have revealed the coolest shades on the market. Standing the test of time, ageless aviators head up the list as the style you can wear every day and never tire of. Next up, retro, oversized glasses are creeping out of the cupboard and making a comeback. Epitomising chic, sophistication, think Audrey Hepburn Breakfast at Tiffany’s. There’s been a massive resurgence in throwback fashion items and this season 90s sunglasses are back! Slimline, with translucent lenses these shades scream Paris Hilton peak The Simple Life. A super wearable style, wide-armed sunglass styles round out the list. Remember, when adding sunglasses to your wardrobe, opt for something polarised for extra protection.Find a range of on-trend sunnies at Specsavers.

Go for gold

There’s age-old saying that there’s no such thing as a healthy tan – unless of course, it’s a faux glow. Self-tanning products have come a long way, and there are plenty of excellent products on the market – in liquid, aerosol, cream and serum form. The key to nailing a natural glow is to get it right on your face. Beauty Editor, Kelsey Ferencak of body+soul says, “tanning your body is tricky enough, but when it comes to an even, streak-free finish on your face, the stakes are much higher. Luckily, there are loads of face-friendly specific self-tanners guaranteed to give your complexion a natural-looking glow without the side-effects of a bad tan (ahem, turning orange).” Shop everything you need for a natural glow at Live Life Pharmacies, Big W and Whitsunday Cosmedic Skin Clinic.