A practical guide to chic sunscreens and sun hats - tested poolside, mid-negotiation, with a child who actively dodges SPF.
Teaching sun safety is one of those parenting ideals that sounds serene in theory and plays out very differently in real life.
In my case, it involves Lulu clocking my intentions from across the pool, physically recoiling the moment sunscreen appears, and me becoming extremely selective about what I'm willing to fight over.
Which is why this guide exists.
These are the sunscreens I trust, the ones I'll happily use on myself, and the ones Lulu will tolerate. Plus the hats that make sun protection feel chic rather than punitive.
Because if it looks good, it's far more likely to happen.
Why Sun Protection Still Matters (No Debate Required)
There's been a lively debate in Australia lately about sunscreen, sparked by recalls and concerns around incorrect SPF labelling.
I'm not here to wade into that – except to say this: we know the sun is damaging and dangerous, and it causes skin cancer, so we need to be protecting our skin. Period.
The real risk with all this noise is that it turns people off sunscreen altogether.
In a country with some of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world – where two out of three Australians will be diagnosed in their lifetime – that's alarming.
Add talk of illegal sun beds resurfacing and teens potentially swinging back towards risky behaviours, and it's clear: Sun safety isn't optional. Some protection is always better than none.
Face Sunscreens I'll Happily Wear Every Day
No greasiness, no excuses
These are my non-negotiables – formulas that sit beautifully on skin, work under makeup, and don't feel like a punishment.
Lightweight, elegant, and one of the few facial SPFs that genuinely feels like skincare. No resistance here.
This illuminating daily serum with SPF50+ imparts a more even tone with a glowing, transparent finish, while also safeguarding skin with their Zinc Fusion Technology. This is your skin, but better.
A dermatologist-backed daily shield that blends seamlessly and sits perfectly under makeup. Serious UV protection that genuinely feels weightless.
- Ultra Violette
The crowd-pleaser. Easy textures, modern formulas and the kind of branding that helps sell the concept to reluctant users.
The Australian SPF brand that made sunscreen genuinely covetable. Their Glow Crème doubles as a primer with a luminous, dewy finish — the kind of SPF you actually look forward to applying.
Healthy, protected skin is the foundation of everything – which is why treatments like Sigourney's Qure Micro-Infusion trial have also been part of the conversation lately.
Because if it looks good, it's far more likely to happen.
Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens: The Necessary Compromise
For kids – and for long, exposed pool days – physical sunscreens still matter. But let's be honest: a white cast is often part of the deal.
The ones I reach for most often:
Clean, mineral protection that feels thoughtful and gentle – the kind you're comfortable putting on kids without hesitation.
Organic, calm and skin-friendly. A reassuring choice when sensitive skin is part of the equation.
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Go To Skincare The zinc sunscreen that manages to feel modern and wearable – which is no small achievement for mineral SPF.
A lighter, easier-to-spread mineral sunscreen that doesn't fight you quite as much as most zinc formulas.
Fluid and surprisingly elegant for a mineral sunscreen, with a softer finish than you'd usually expect.
High-performance hydrating sunscreen that doubles as a moisturiser. Broad-spectrum SPF50+ with a dewy, skin-loving finish that never feels heavy.
They're gentle, effective and trustworthy – even if they do leave that tell-tale sheen. This is where hats and timing become your allies.
And like any good skincare step, sunscreen works best when it becomes part of your routine – just like a nightly beauty ritual.
When Texture Matters More Than Ingredients
How I actually get sunscreen on Lulu.
If it's hard to apply, it's not getting used. These formats have saved me.
Fast, mess-free and excellent for legs and arms without turning application into a chase.
Lightweight, quick, and far less confronting than cream.
- Mousse (Surprisingly Effective) – The Quick Flick Screen
This one feels like fun – which counts for a lot with kids.
None are perfect. All are better than nothing.
Cool Packaging = Better Compliance
This is not a coincidence. Sunscreen that looks good gets used more. Full stop.
Sleek bottles, matte finishes, soft-touch lids – these things lower resistance, especially for kids who are already sunscreen-fatigued.
I keep the “nice” ones visible poolside and hide the clinical tubes for emergencies. Some brands doing this particularly well:
Retro surf-club energy and great colours – the kind of sunscreen you actually want sitting poolside.
Bright, cheerful packaging that somehow makes sunscreen feel less like a chore.
Sleek, minimalist bottles that lean more skincare than sunscreen – which helps the whole idea feel far more appealing.
The Chic Sun Hats That Do the Heavy Lifting
When sunscreen becomes a negotiation, hats do some of the heavy lifting.
The Cyla Bucket Hat is instantly recognisable with its signature swirl design.
Designer pleated hats that somehow make everything look better. These are the reason sun safety doesn't feel dowdy.
The straw bucket hat is a classic for a reason – relaxed, practical and endlessly wearable.
A Few Extra Sun-Safety Wins Worth Mentioning
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UPF-rated swimwear (quietly doing a lot of the work)
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Rashies that don't feel restrictive – I love Une Piece zip-ups. Very Bond girl.
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Timing swims earlier or later when possible
And accepting that perfection is not the goal – consistency is.
Final Word
Sun safety isn't about doing everything perfectly. It's about finding what works in your actual life. For us, that means great hats, wearable sunscreens and a bit of strategy.
Pool days are a ritual in our house – and a few pool accessories that genuinely changed our lives make the whole experience easier.
If it looks good, feels nice and doesn't turn into a power struggle – we're already winning.
Words by Sigourney Cantelo.
