This Sunscreen Mist Was the MVP of My Beach Vacay
One thing about me is that if I’m going on a beach vacation, I’m traveling with an entire wardrobe of sunscreen. Listen, I’m a pale beauty writer, so I take sun protection seriously—plus I’m picky about what types of formulas I apply when.
For example, for the face, I need a tinted SPF for those times when I know photos will be taken or I’ll be going straight from the beach to a nice restaurant. I also need a refreshing sunscreen mist for both lazy and on-the-go moments. For the body, I like to start the day with a lotion as base, painstakingly applied in my hotel room before putting on my bathing suit. To reapply throughout the day, though, I gotta have a spray, because the goal is to spend minimum time rubbing in a chalky, white formula, and maximum time sipping my tropical bev.
All of the above came with me on a recent trip to Miami, and I have to give a shout-out to the product I ended up reaching for most: Australian Gold Face & Scalp Mist SPF 50. It delivers water-resistant broad-spectrum coverage in a lightweight, even mist that’s a dream to apply. The formula—which clocks in at a TSA-friendly 3.4 ounces, btw—also contains desert honey myrtle, sea kale, vitamin E, and Lupinus albus to nourish, moisturize, support, and calm the skin.
Here are all the ways I used my new SPF BFF while (safely!) soaking up the Florida sun.
Australian Gold Face & Scalp Mist SPF 50
Before boarding my flight
I’m a window-seat girlie. I like to sleep on planes, and also to have the option to focus on the horizon during bouts of turbulence. Knowing my face would be practically pressed up against the window for the three-hour flight, I made my dermatologist proud and spritzed on the mist while waiting to board. I loved that the hydrating ingredients also helped keep my skin from drying out in-air; instead of appearing like every last bit the life had been sucked out of my complexion when I landed, I still looked dewy and fresh.
On a morning bike ride
While my more ambitious friends kicked off each day with a run, I opted for leisurely bike rides along Miami’s oceanfront pedestrian path. Despite my relaxed pace, the high humidity made real sure that the sweat was flowing, so I had to be diligent about mid-ride SPF reapplication. The mist fit comfortably in my crossbody belt bag and was so much more efficient to apply than a goopy lotion that would have gotten all over my hands.
To protect my scalp before taking a swim (and when the wind kept blowing my hat across the beach—annoying!)
French braids are one of my go-to beach hairstyles, because the look helps keep my long, thick curls from taking on a wild, in-my-face life of their own as they’re exposed to the elements. The one downside of this style choice is that when the hat comes off, my scalp is exposed AF. But I’m happy to report that no angry scalp sunburns were had on this trip, thanks to the handy sunscreen mist that’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Before taking my first dip, I spritzed the product along my scalp and then gently pressed it into the area to ensure even coverage and avoid messing up my hair.
As a base for makeup before a street-art tour
Sunscreen and makeup don’t always mesh—if you’ve experienced pilling or flaky foundation post-SPF application, you know what I’m talking about. This formula sinks into skin and leaves it feeling soft, moisturized—but not greasy—and perfectly prepped for smooth makeup application.
Sarah has been covering beauty and wellness for 10+ years and is currently the beauty director of HearstMade.
