Hey Alexa, play High School Musical 2 “What time is it?” – Yes. Summertime. 

The heat is upon us in the Southern Hemisphere and specifically in Australia, which means it’s time to get summer ready! Created in Gold Coast, the heart of sunny Queensland, The Monday Studio definitely knows a thing or two about getting summertime ready in both a manner that is practical and stylish! 

1. SLIP, SLOP, SLAP!

We may love sunshine, but we cannot stress enough the importance of protecting yourself from harsh UV rays. Sun protection is your best insurance against premature ageing, patchy discolouration, skin cancers, and undesirable heat strokes. 

The sun’s UV rays cause damage to your skin through UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays emit a longer wavelength and penetrates deeper into the skin layers and effectively damages the skin’s DNA by generating free radicals. It is what causes the skin to tan, but also causes photo-ageing. UVB rays on the other hand emit a shorter wavelength and damages upper skin layers effectively causing painful sunburns and DNA damage that leads to skin cancer/melanoma. 

Therefore, you need a sunscreen that protects you against both UVA and UVB rays, especially if you’re in Australia as we have the highest rate of melanoma cancer cases globally. How can you tell you’ve got the right sunscreen? Look for key words “broad spectrum protection”; “UVA and UVB”; “SPF and PA+++”. It is generally advised that for outdoor use, you’re looking for SPF50+, broad spectrum protection. 

There are also two types of sunscreens: physical and chemical. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll probably find your skin will comfortably accept physical sunscreen better. However, if you don’t have sensitive skin, you may want to give a chemical sunscreen a whirl. And remember, just because your foundation has SPF, it will not offer the same protection as a primary sunscreen. 

So slather up ladies and gents! Slip, slop, slap!

         

2. BEAUTIFUL BRIMS

Being in Australia, we like to do a complete 360-degree take on sun protection. Hats are literally portable, direct shade protection for our pretty heads and faces. It also helps that hats can be a super fun accessory to add to someone’s outfit. Having a hat on creates character for the outfit and speaks quite a bit about your fashion identity. Bucket hat? You must be a fun and relaxed person. Floppy wide-brimmed felt hat? Girl, you classy. Straw hat with bow? You must enjoy picnics. Straw hat without bow? Let’s go to the beach, each, let’s go get a wave. Bonus points if you get the reference!

          

3. STAY SHADY WITH SUNGLASSES

Those who have been a victim of sunburn to the eyes, say aye! Your pretty peepers are also prone to sunburn would you believe? To protect your eyes against sunburn or the uncomfortable glare when the sun hits your face at an unwelcome angle, the answer is to throw on a pair of sunglasses! Sunglasses – an incredible, powerful accessory that also speaks volume of your mood and character. Feeling classy and shady? Cat eyes. Feeling like you don’t want to be spoken to? Get super opaque shades. 

           

           Quay Jezabell                  Ray-ban Square Li RB1973

4. TOWEL TALK

Isn’t it funny how we love the feeling of sand at a beach but are so particular about how we get sand on ourselves? If there’s something people don’t like, it’s laying on the sand directly for a prolonged period. Not only can it get super hot and feel like you’re being cooked by sand itself, it can be incredibly irritating especially if you’re reaching for things on the beach e.g. your book in your bag. What makes the experience so much neater and enjoyable is when you have an amazing beach towel to sit or lay on. They’re generally bigger and there are some that offer anti-sand technology, which means you won’t be loading a pile of sand into your car as you drive home from a beach day. 

        

5. BRONZED MEANS TO BE A TANNED QUEEN

There’s much less damaging ways to look like your skin has been sunkissed! Fake tan or all over body bronzer, or both! As Australians love a good tan, you’ll find that Australian fake tan products are a’ plenty! Might I add that it can also be an engaging activity to have somebody help apply your fake tan. That’s when you know they got your back… because you would need help applying fake tan on your back, get it? Okay, that’s the end of our cringe-worthy jokes… for now.  

     

So that’s our spiel on how to prepare yourselves for a warm, bright and sunny summertime! 

Stay cool, hydrated and forever shady, 

xoxo Miss Monday