Who else forgets to sunscreen literally everywhere except their face and shoulders? Yeah, guilty. 🙋♀️ But y’all, we cannot let those hard-to-reach places slip through because that’s where the sun likes to sneak up on us—giving us that sneaky burn you only notice when you’re like “Wait, why is this whole area on my body hurting so much?!”
So in today’s post, I’m comin’ through with all the sunscreen hacks you need for those awkward, hard-to-reach spots. Because whether you’re chillin’ at Huntington Beach or just doing an afternoon patio brunch with your girls, we’re STILL not tryna end up looking crispy anywhere. 🚫🔥
First Off, Don’t Forget the Tops of Your Ears!
Okay, why are ears so forgettable? This one is so overlooked—even if you’re just like “Oh, I’ve got a cute hat on!” That’s cool and all, but SPF on your ears is non-negotiable, like full coverage foundation on prom night. You NEED it.
You know what works best? A spray sunscreen! Just give the bottle a few spritzes around the ears and you’re good to go. Done! You can use a sunscreen stick if you want a heavier application, but sprays make it quick and painless.
The tops of your ears are the skin dessert for UV rays. Don’t let them get burned!
Product Hack:
I recommend Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50 because it’s lightweight, easy to rub in, and you won’t be left feeling like a greasy potato chip—but you’ll still stay protected. 🌞
That Funky Back of the Neck Situation
If you have short hair or rock a ponytail on the regular, you gotta think about your neck! Honestly, I forget my neck all the time and then boom—I look like a lobster at the end of the day. Don’t let this happen to you!
Here’s the move: If you’re solo and don’t have anyone around to help, grab a long-handled item like a makeup brush or beauty sponge applicator, put some sunscreen on it, and gently rub it along the back of your neck. Done and done! Easy, right?
Pro-Tip:
Try and apply your sunscreen before you style your hair or tie it up. That way, no mess vibes and you don’t destroy that slick bun! 💅
I recently tried SunBum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion for this, and it’s actually super nice because it has a creamy texture that glides on easily with brushes or sponges. Plus, their coconut smell is sooo beachy. 🌺
Don’t Forget the Center of Your Back
Ok, how on earth are we supposed to do our backs when we’re not some sort of yoga contortionist?! Well, lucky for us, someone invented back lotion applicators, and honestly, bless whoever you are because this thing is a game changer! 👐
But if you’re in a pinch and don’t have an applicator, try the good ol’ “grab it with your elbows” method. You know what I’m talking about: lay your sunscreen bottle down on your towel, make sure it’s open, and squirt some onto your body—elbows up, and get at it! 😂 Trust me, it’s not elegant… but it works!
Also, if you got that one trusty friend (you know the one), let them get your back. Don’t be shy.
Everything Under the Straps: Don’t Sleep on It!
Let’s be real, those thin swimsuit straps can easily shift around during beach volleyball or when you’re diving into the water. And I know it feels like a waste of time putting SPF under areas covered by clothing, but trust me, the strap will move and that’ll leave you burned where you didn’t suspect—like right under your seatbelt or bra straps.
That’s right. Trust me on this. Serve yourself well and just take the extra 20 seconds to hit alllll the hidden spots:
- Under your bathing suit straps
- Around your waistband
- Edges of your sports bra
Pro-Tip:
Put on your swimsuit or top first, then apply sunscreen while the straps are already in place. That way, you’ll hit the areas that need it the most!
The Sneaky Butt and Outer Thigh Situation
Okay, you KNOW we’re never getting caught without sunscreen on our legs, but how many times do we think about those lil’ sections at the top of our thighs or between our booty? Probably not a ton.
A good rule of thumb: if part of your skin is visible when you stand up or move, IT NEEDS SPF.
Your thighs and booty are extra prone to burns because they rarely see the sun, so they soak it all up like a dry sponge when they do. Applying sunscreen here can be life-saving for your week—it’s especially necessary when you’re tanning or just wearing a high-cut swimsuit and feeling cute. 🍑
Back of Your Legs and Knees Deserve Love Too
So knees are weird. These little mystery joints thicken and dry out and somehow still get painfully sunburnt when no one’s looking. 😩 The backs of your legs are especially tricky because they can bend and create awkward gaps for the sun to zap ya!
Solution:
Use a spray-on sunscreen here for max convenience. Or if you’re into physical sunscreen, lotion works too! But make sure you rub it in real good to avoid missing any spots.
For backup, I go for Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 70 which sprays on pretty even and doesn’t give off that heavy, sticky feeling. It dries super quick, major key if you’re on-the-go!
Between Your Fingers and Toes
Your fingies and toes deserve ALL the love, too! Just like your face, you gotta give them SPF, especially if any part of them is showing. If your shoes are leaving out even one toe or if you’re wearing sandals, make sure to get these areas ASAP.
Solution: Take a small dab of sunscreen and rub it carefully between your digits—or use a spray if you’re in a rush (just not over your freshly done nails, okay, queen?). Also, for your feet, a quick rub between each toe does the job.
I like to use Banana Boat Sport Performance CoolZone, especially on toes because it’s super lightweight and doesn’t leave leftover residue.
Pro Sunscreen Hacks to Remember:
Alright, babes, let’s recap real quick with some mini reminders! You’ll thank me later:
- Use Multiple Types: It’s cool! A spray for legs, cream for face, and stick for touch-ups? Go for it.
- Reapply Every 2 Hours: No excuses! Apps like “My UV Patch” are cool reminders.
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Sunscreen Before Makeup: Always! Let it fully dry before starting your beauty routine so it doesn’t mess with your glam game.
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Don’t Skip Lips: Use SPF lip balm daily. You can thank me later when you keep those lips pretty and plump 😉.
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Watch Expiration Dates: Sun protection products expire! Toss ’em after the date passes.
The Takeaway
So that’s it, babes! We’re out here learning to slather SPF like the professionals we are. Keep these spots handled, stay mindful of the random spots you might forget, and ALWAYS apply your sun protection regularly. Trust me, past-you will be grateful AF when future-you rocks ageless skin into your thirties!
Sun protection is like the ultimate self-care move—it doesn’t take much, just a cute tube of sunscreen and about 2 minutes of effort, but it can save you from crappy burns and even bigger skin problems in the long run. 🌞
Go forth and glow—without the burns! Let’s keep it protected and pretty. ✨
Till next time, babes! 💛
