Article by Eva Penar
Chicago summers are synonymous with patios, rooftops, lakefront gatherings, and packed event calendars. During these precious warm-weather months, Chicagoans make the most of every sunny day and its imperative that planners keep sunscreen in mind for outdoor events.
With countless products on the market, the sunscreen aisle can feel overwhelming. Today’s consumers want more than protection; they want products that fit their lifestyles, values, and daily routines. Whether you’re producing an outdoor festival, creating family-friendly experience, or heading to a rooftop reception or happy hour, there’s sunscreen designed just for your group.
A New Local Brand with a Personal Mission
Chicagoan Mika Stambaugh knows firsthand why sun protection matters. Diagnosed with melanoma a year ago, the avid event producer and founder of TMI has become a passionate advocate for skin health.
Stambaugh recently partnered with John Tinsley, co-founder of Sunsei, an all-natural, plant-derived mineral sunscreen brand launching in summer 2026. Built on non-nano zinc oxide and 100% plant-derived ingredients, Sunsei delivers effective daily protection without the white cast, synthetic chemicals, or misleading labels associated with mineral sunscreens.
Their mission is simple: safe protection for everybody, every day. Sunsei will be available this summer at www.sunseisunscreen.com.
Family-Friendly Options on the Go
From block parties to summer camps, neighborhood festivals, and all the outdoor activities centered around children – Thinksun shines.
Their Thinkbaby and Thinkkids lines are specifically formulated to protect sensitive skin while remaining fragrance-free — meaning fewer complaints from little noses. Thinkbaby offers water resistance for up to 80 minutes and glides on gently without leaving behind a sticky residue.
For active adults, Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen Spray delivers broad-spectrum protection without the greasy feel. It’s lightweight, non-sticky, and ideal for busy days spent outdoors. Meanwhile, Thinkdaily Serum blends seamlessly under makeup, making it a smart addition to any event planner’s emergency kit. Bonus: it’s TSA-approved for summer travel.
Pocket-Sized Protection
Sometimes the best sunscreen is simply the one you’ll actually carry with you.
Ultra Violette has created a line of travel-friendly products that fit effortlessly into a pocket, purse, or clutch. The Mini Mates Future Screen and Supreme Screen make reapplying throughout the day easy and affordable.
Made in Australia and certified cruelty-free, these colorful products combine style with function. The Supreme Screen is particularly impressive, serving as a moisturizer, primer, and SPF all in one. For touch-ups, the Preen Screen Application Mist is a game-changer. Designed as the final step in your skincare routine, it can be reapplied throughout the day without disrupting makeup.
Don’t Forget Your Lips
One of the most overlooked areas for sun protection is also one of the most vulnerable.
Sunsolve MD’s Volumize + Condition Lips SPF 40 was developed by biotech labs in Los Angeles and Denmark and offers more than basic protection. This lightweight daily lip balm utilizes trademarked Liperserma Technology to lock in moisture while creating the appearance of fuller, healthier lips.
It protects against both UVA and UVB rays while also helping shield lips from environmental pollutants, a welcome bonus during long days spent outdoors.
Hydration Meets Protection
Chicago summers can be glorious, but they can also leave skin feeling dehydrated after hours in the sun.
Biossance addresses that challenge with its SPF 50 Squalane Daily Mineral Sunscreen. Powered by squalane, the formula helps lock in moisture while providing broad-spectrum protection. Tested by both pediatricians and dermatologists, the sunscreen feels remarkably lightweight and works especially well for sensitive or blemish-prone skin.
Summer in Chicago moves fast. One day you’re at a neighborhood street festival, the next you’re watching fireworks by the lake, and before you know it, you’re squeezing every last drop out of August.
So whether you’re corralling campers, or producing the city’s next great event, don’t forget the one accessory that never goes out of style: sunscreen. Your attendees will thank you long after patio season comes to an end.
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