If you think The White Lotus secrets, scandals and—our personal favorite—beauty moments between “The Besties” were a month behind us, think again.
We just spoke to the one and only Michelle Monaghan (aka Jaclyn Lemon, the actress setting up shop at your favorite hotel chain), and the sunscreen application (and reapplication) tips from the forever-trending show and her personal skin-care routine are taking us for a full-on focused spin to revisit our favorite Sunday-night binge.
As shared previously, Monaghan is the very first U Beauty celeb spokesperson and, as of today, she’s helping the cult-favorite brand launch a new SPF. Meet the the new U Beauty Multimodal Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 25 ($98), an integrated sun care, skin care and primer hybrid. Powered via SIREN Capsule Technology, the double patent-pending SIRENS helps neutralize the visible effects of free radicals and feels like “air” on the skin.
As founder Tina Craig and Monaghan attest, this broad-spectrum SPF multitasker delivers an airbrush-effect primer in one step—and does it all in a super sheer package. The lightweight sunscreen even promises to work double-duty by fighting against pollution, brightening, smoothing and evening out the skin’s appearance.
We caught up with Monaghan prior to the anticipated launch, as she shared all the reasons that, as a melanoma survivor, she praises (and uses) this very specific sun protection, plus some insider White Lotus “trio” tales.
What do you like most about this new U Beauty SPF?
The texture! I love that it works so well under makeup. Plus, it helps even my skin tone with a soft blurring effect, all the while giving me the necessary protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
As a melanoma survivor, what does your day-to-day SPF routine look like now?
I start every day, rain or shine, with SPF, and I reapply it. I also tend to use makeup that has SPF as well. If I’m hiking or outside, I almost always wear a hat. I don’t expose my skin to the sun unnecessarily these days. For example, I love to swim at sunrise or sunset.
What did all of that look like on the White Lotus set since you were in the sun so much…and did that give you pause when considering the role?
We were exposed to the harsh elements every day. The heat was extreme. We were diligent with our sunscreen application all day long. We covered up between scenes, wore hats, sunnies, linen and stayed hydrated. I honestly don’t think any of “The Ladies” got sunburned or even a slight tan for that matter. We had each other’s backs—literally and figuratively. Friends don’t let friends burn.
What is your number-one piece of advice to anyone who isn’t so great at SPF application (and reapplication)?
Find a sunscreen you want to wear in multiple formats. A cream or lotion, a stick and a spray. Make it easy and accessible. Make it as important as brushing your teeth. Protecting our skin should be a normal part of our health and wellness routine.
