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Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide: your guide to staying safe in the sun

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Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat and slide on some sunnies.  This list has tips and products to help you stay safe in the sun. Some sections contain affiliate links from which I may receive a small commission.
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Facts and Tips

All you need to know about the damaging effects of the sun,  how to stay safe in the sun to reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature aging, and how to choose the right sun-smart items.  Scroll to the following sections for stylish examples.

 
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Short and to the point. This guide talks about why sun protection is important and when to use it.
Be SunSmart - Why you need to Slip, Slop, Slap and Slide
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If you want to know a little bit about how the sun causes damage to the skin, the start of this article includes a great explanation.
Sun Safety & How the Sun Damages the Skin
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Skin cancer is on the rise in the USA.  This article gives you the numbers and talks about why.
Skin cancer is rising; protect yourself from sun damage year-round
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Great tips on what to look for in sunglasses.  UVA and UVB aren't visible to the naked eye, so reduction in glare doesn't equal protection.  Check out the Slide on some Sunnies Section for some stylish options.
Tips for Choosing the Best Sunglasses
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Great tips on what to look for in clothing to maximise your sun protection. Check out the Slip on a Shirt section for some Stylish Shirts.
Sun Protective Clothing - What to Look For
 
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Get tips on finding hats for your face shape.  Check out the Slap on a Hat Section for some sun-smart examples.
How to Find the Right Hat For Your Face Shape
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Slip on a Shirt

Clothes that look good and provide sun protection without heating you up.

 
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A long sleeve rashie offers great protection if you are spending a lot of time outside in or near the water. I love you the pattern on this one gives the illusion of a slimmer waist.
Womens Printed Long Sleeve Rash Top Spruce Blue
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A long sleeve light coloured top in a breathable fabric like cotton or linen can help protect you arms, neck and shoulders from the sun while reflecting the sun so you don't get too warm. I like this top because the wider cuffs and ability to open th...
Witchery Cotton Oversized Shirt in Fresh White | MYER
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Light doesn't have to mean white. A shade of your hair, eye, lips or cheek colour are all good options. I love the sophistication of this top. Silk is a great choice of fabric when you are moving in and out of air conditioned environments.
David Lawrence Ophelia Silk Shirt in Silver | MYER
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Add interest with a print. I love that the stripes in this top are vertical, which is more flattering than horizontal stripes.
Aerie Off Duty Seersucker Shirt in Strawberry Mist | MYER
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If you have dark eyes or hair, opt for a print with that includes both dark and light colours.
Regatta European Linen Blend Raglan 3/4 Sleeve Shirt In Navy/ivory/ochre Stripe | MYER
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A long sleeve top doesn't have to feel like a business shirt. I love how the colour, rounded neckline, and puff sleeves make this top feel really feminine. The puff sleeves also allow air to more more freely around the arms helping to keep cool.
Piper Ramie Puff Sleeve Covered Placket in Dusty Pink | MYER
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Smart enough for work and tough enough for the outdoors.  If you are outdoors gardening or bushwalking you need a sturdier shirt that can survive contact with the odd twig.  This one from Rohan is rated to SPF40 and has insect protection, keeping you safe from the mozzies as well as the sun.  My husband has a cupboard full of Rohan shirts and rarely wears any other brand.
Men's Frontier Long Sleeve Shirt Slate Grey Marl
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For the most protection, look for a top with a high UPF of 50+, which means it protects from both UVA and UVB rays.  These shirts from Sun Protection are UPF50+ and offer a host of extra sun protection features- like longer cuffs.
UFP 50+ Ladies Outdoor Shirt
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Slop on Sunscreen

We have a draw full of sunscreen after forgetting it on multiple trips. These are the ones that actually get used.

 
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This sunscreen goes on smoothly, is non-greasy, and a little goes a long way. The fact that it's 50+ and from a brand I trust is a bonus.
Cancer Council Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 50+ 110ml
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For faces, I use a tinted moisturiser with a high SPF for a quick morning routine.  With product to provide sun protection, moisturiser and smooth out your skin, there is no need to add extra sun protection or foundation.  Match the colour of the cream to the colour of your skin.
Cancer Council Face Day Wear BB Cream Matte (Light Tint) SPF 50 + 50ml
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For faces, the men in the house prefer this tint free moisturising sunscreen.
Cancer Council SPF 50+ Day Wear Face Matte Invisible 75ml Tube
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Best for scalps.  This superfine spray is great for getting in amongst hairs to protect the scalp.  Great for parts in hair, close cropped hair, beards and moustaches. We stock up whenever we visit the UK.
Soltan Clear and Cool Protect Suncare Mist SPF50 200ml
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Slap on a Hat

I used to hate hats.  It takes time to find one that offers sun protection and suits your head and face shapes.  Here are some examples of common styles.

 
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 A bucket hat is a create alternative to a baseball cap.  It's still casual, but does a better job of covering the back of your neck.  Best of all, these ones come in a range of colours and have a high UPF rating.
Bondi Bucket Hat UPF50+
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For the beach or the pool you want a hat that isn't going to fade the first time you get a splash of water on it.  This one comes with a fun print, a hole for a pony tail, has a high UPF rating and is chlorine and salt water resistant.
Ultra Wide Brim Printed Swim Sun Hat UPF50+
 
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For a classic look, check out a Fedora.
Whitby Womens Colourblock Fedora Hat | Mountain Warehouse AU
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I love the feminine vibes from this hat.  If you have a plain straw hat you can give it a new lease of life by adding a bow or even artificial flower.
Gregory Ladner Bucket Hat With Bow in Natural | MYER
 
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While I find them a bit warm in summer, as an Aussie, I had to include an Akubra in this selection.  I love the colour of this one.  Colourful hats can help complete an outfit.
Avalon - Ochre
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While hats provide sun protection, they don't have to look serious.  They are a great way to explore patterns and add some fun to your outfits.
Cody Reversible Bucket Hat

Slide on some Sunnies

Sun-smart sunnies that don't skimp on style.

 
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Round frames are great for people with wavy hair or curved facial features.  If you have a round face, be aware that round glasses can emphasis your face.   These ones are Cancer Council approved.
Enviro Round Metal Sunglasses - Gold
 
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These glasses will suit most face shapes with their mix of straight and curved lines.
Jack by Ray Ban
 
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Aviator glasses are a classic.  I love how these come with different coloured lens to suit people with both warm and cool complexions. They also have a top UV rating.
Aviator Classic
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A fun colour, the top UV rating, made from recycled plastics and with rave reviews.  Create a winning look with these award winning glasses.
Sustainable Sunnies
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Tortoise shell sunglasses are great for those with a warm complexion - and the dappled pattern helps to hide wrinkles as well.
Georgie - Amber Tortoise
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Dare to be different?  The sun protection offered by sunglasses has nothing to do with the colour of the lenses.  The lenses in these glasses come in a range of fun colours.
Hexagonal Flat Lenses by Ray Ban