The Real Sun Shady

I confess: I occasionally forget to put on sunblock everyday. And in my case, occasionally means a couple times each week, as well as most mornings during the winter. And yes, I do know that wearing a daily layer of SPF is the easiest way to thwart skin cancer -- it's just so hard to remember that added step in the morning ... particularly when it's cloudy outside. But it's never too late to make changes for the better, and since May was National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I'm feeling just about ready to really, truly wear sun protection everyday.

Whether you're like me or you've been applying a daily layer of SPF for years, there's a new kit of products from MD skincare that's got all your sun care essentials, along with an added twist. It's called Made for Shade and includes a donation with each purchase to the SHADE Foundation, a non-profit that educates kids and adults about how to prevent skin cancer by wearing SPF and avoiding the sun during its most intense hours of the day. Even though the line was created by one of New York's top dermatologists, the products feel far more luxurious than medicinal. Plus, you save around fifty bucks by buying them in this kit instead of indulging in each product individually. The standout item is a tube of SPF 25 lip balm: a true beach essential that nearly all of us forget to use consistently.

If this has gotten you motivated to stock up on lots of sun protection, head to Beauty.com, which carries MD Skincare as well as a selection of natural and paraben free spf products like Korres' fabulous watermelon scented sunscreen for the face. The site has great deals and a whole eco-friendly section!