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The founders of our favorite swimwear brands are true women (plus one man) of the surf. We hit them up to find out the SPFs they can't beach-gallivant without.
This article appears in the June 2017 issue of ELLE.
Milly | Michelle Smith, NYC
The Look: "The woman who wears Milly is sporty," says Smith, who lives for paddleboarding and sailing in Capri. "She loves surfing and green juice as much as she loves lolling around the pool."
The Sunscreen of Choice: "I reapply Sun Bum ($9.99, dermstore.com)—I love the tiny tub of zinc oxide for my sensitive skin—every time I get out of the ocean."
1. Milly Cabana floral-print Elba bikini top and bottom. 2. Sun Bum SPF 50 Clear Zinc Oxide.
Flagpole | Jaime Barker and Megan Balch, Brooklyn
The Look: "Growing up in Florida, we'd swim in the waves and dance on the sand after school," Barker says. "Our swimwear allows you to move confidently."
The Sunscreen of Choice: Breakout-prone Balch, who used to eschew SPF, says: "La Roche (here, its Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid, $29.99, ulta.com) is the first brand I've used that doesn't make me wake up with blemishes."
1. Flagpole The Lynn one-piece. 2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid.
Made by Dawn | Dawn and Kirk Peterson, Santa Barbara, CA
The Look: If the Petersons don't pick up the phone, they're probably out surfing in Kauai. Their dynamic lifestyle is why the Hawaii-born Dawn made sure their swimwear's fit was "secure but sexy."
The Sunscreen of Choice: "Badger (here, its Broad Spectrum Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream SPF 35, $13.99, vitaminshoppe.com) isn't toxic to coral reefs, and it's top-rated by the Environmental Working Group," she says.
1. Made by Dawn Traveler top and bottom in Turning Rose. 2. Badger Broad Spectrum Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream SPF 35.
Mikoh | Kalani and Oleema Miller, Orange County, CA
The Look: It felt only natural for the Miller sisters to launch their own vibrant line seven years ago, having been raised in a family of surfers (Oleema was a pro before starting Mikoh).
The Sunscreen of Choice: "Shade sunscreen ($32, shadesunscreen.com) goes on so smooth," says Kalani, who's meticulous about using it on her neck.
1. Mikoh Africa one-piece in Botanical Makai. 2. Shade SPF 40+ Opaque.
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