Summer time is fast approaching and I love it! I love the warmer weather and all that it brings—flip flops, sandals, sundresses, trips to the beach and to the lake, baseball games, Saturdays on the deck…my list is endless, really.

As I’ve gotten older, though, my summer routine has changed. Gone are the days of just throwing on my bathing suit or shorts (those were my essentials then…it’s capris and cover ups now), grabbing my sunglasses, and heading out the door for my fun in the sun.

Older should equal wiser. So my out-the-door routine to achieve my best summer skin is smarter now…and only requires a few more minutes of prep time. If you want to look your best this season too, check out this list of proven, exciting products for beach-babe beauty—AND make-your-mamma-proud protection.

Colorescience Skin Bronzing Primer SPF 20-Wild to Mild

Hands down, this may be my most favorite product…EVER. Most of my clients agree. Wild to Mild, with its funny name, is actually a serious multitasking product.

This powerhouse is a creamy primer with a bronzing, golden color that helps your skin look naturally tan. Its physical SPF of 20 (provided by zinc and titanium dioxide) protects your skin from sun damage, while its blue-algae extract, beta carotene, vitamin E, and glycerin hydrate and nourish your skin.

Pair this with a little concealer or powder (or both) and you’re ready for any outdoor activity!

Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Powder SPF 30 Brush

If you’re tired of sunscreens that are messy, sticky or worse, those that burn your eyes and cause acne, look no further. Sunforgettable is a clear powder SPF that comes in its own refillable brush applicator—making sun protection easily portable.

For years, I sought out a non-irritating sunscreen that would work for all my clients, particularly those with sensitive skin, rosacea, oily skin, breakouts and darker skin tones. This is it. It’s the perfect odor-free, colorless, and gentle SPF for everyone.

Recommended and approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation, Sunforgettable contains micronized titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which sit atop the skin, reflecting and refracting sunlight. Yet, the product doesn’t mask the skin like chemical-based sunscreens so it won’t cause your skin to hold in heat—making you sweat or leading to damaging inflammation.

Just brush the powder on. It’s truly that easy to apply. Protection is immediate, so there’s no waiting period before you head out into the sun. Since you can apply it directly over makeup and it comes in a handy self-contained brush, keeping this smart product in your purse or beach bag makes reapplication—recommended every 2-3 hours—ultra convenient.

Glominerals Body Bronzer

Model glow, here we go! This gorgeous, luxurious and easy-to-use lotion creates a subtle, immediate, and safe all-over sun-kissed glow for any skin type. Plus, the exclusive blend of green tea and vitamins A, C, and E “feed” your skin at the same time.

I love this bronzer on my legs, arms, and décolletage. And because that dressing room mirror can be so unkind at times, it’s my secret weapon for making pre-season bathing suit shopping a happier experience!

Luxe Cream Liner

One of my pet peeves is eyeliner that runs. To the rescue: Luxe Cream Liner.

This super longwearing and smudge-proof creamy eyeliner draws a perfect line without tugging on delicate eyelids, and it won’t come off while swimming or sweating. That makes it the perfect and essential product for beach days, pool days, or any of those dog days of summer.

BreeZe Canned Tan

We all know a tan from the sun is not good for the skin; however, we can’t give up just how darn good a tan looks—making cellulite, broken veins and other imperfections less noticeable.

I’ve been using BreeZe Canned Tan for years. You, too, can use this UV-free, streak-free tanning product in the privacy of your own home for a natural-looking, all-over tan or for touch-ups between salon visits!

Just note: Because of the high percentage of DHA in this product, be sure to moisturize your skin often between applications.

Colorescience Lip Shine SPF 35

Don’t we all love our lip gloss? I know I do! But did you know that wearing lip gloss in the sun intensifies the sun’s rays—just like the baby oil craziness we used to subject our whole bodies to, that can be damaging to the skin.

Our lips are already supersensitive in the sun. We cannot ignore them, so if you want to shine your lips with a gloss, but protect them with a sunscreen, this is your summer lip essential.

You can give your lips a natural shimmer while preventing burned, dry, and chapped lips with Colorescience Lip Shine SPF 35, available in five shades. This smooth, non-sticky, chemical-free and dye-free gloss provides instant UVA and UVB sun protection, while essential oils and blue algae deliver long-lasting moisturizing benefits. It also refreshes your lips with hints of spearmint.

Older SHOULD equal wiser. And with just a few proven essentials, smart summer skin CAN be beautiful. And glowing. And healthy. Happy summer!