You guys, I did something unforgivable. Something that I give other people SUCH a hard time for. I got sunburned. UGH! Just typing those words make me hang my head in shame. There is no excuse!! Except that I was on vacation and the sun felt so good and despite wearing sunscreen I got my you-know-what kicked. Basically, I’m totally out of practice when it comes to being out for more than 20 minutes. I’ve also become a sun phobe and my skin is that much whiter and more vulnerable for it. So, I humble myself with this confession. I’m sorry if I’ve ever scolded one of you for getting burned, and I hope that this serves as a gentle reminder to protect your beautiful skin no matter what. Should you still fall victim, I highly recommend popping a few ibuprofen for the pain and inflammation, and slathering on the Shea Cream. I promise this isn’t a shameless plug! Nothing soothes and helps heal a burn faster than shea butter. Even the Mayo Clinic has been known to use it on burn victims. So cool.  xoxo —Elizabeth

Have you heard? When it comes to SPF, 30 is the new 15. I’ve been saying it ever since my freckles went from seasonal cuties to year-round age spots, but dermatologist Jaime Davis of Uptown Dermatology recently confirmed it. In case, like me, you’re secretly confused about the actual difference between 15 and 30, Dr. Davis explains: The higher the SPF, the longer the protection (SPF 15=it will take 15 times longer for you to burn, SPF 30=30 times longer, etc.).

She has also declared that “physical is the new chemical”—because physical sunblocks, like mineral powders and zinc or titanium dioxide, break down less quickly. The good news is that unlike the lifeguard-white sunblocks of yore, the latest formulations absorb quickly and don’t leave that filmy residue. My go-to all summer has been Supergoop! The gold standard for active, waterproof sun protection, the entire line was recently reformulated without parabens, fragrance, proplyene glycol, or oxybenzone—a common ingredient that the Environmental Working Group recently cited as potentially cancer-causing (for the full study and the EWG’s list of “safe” sunscreens, read on). I’ve taken to toting around every from Supergoop—the moisturizing Lotion, chunky Quickstick for lips and face, and the handy dandy towelettes—perfect for travel or swiping on the go.

After a recent post about how to banish crow’s feet, I got the most amazing email from Mel in Seattle. Or, as she puts it: “From someone over 50 who gets told she doesn’t look her age at all.” Seeing as how I’d like to look like Demi when I’m 34, I perked right up. Mel’s no-frills, non-cosmetic tips for saving face are simple yet essential reminders. You’ll wish you had followed them every day of your sunbathing life.

1. PROTECT your face from the sun. That means sunblock and a hat whenever you are outside for more than 30 minutes. That means do NOT exercise outside, garden outside, or do anything outside without sunblock and a hat!

2. ALWAYS wear sunglasses outside. You’ll look chic, and squint less, which helps prevent those crow’s feet. I can’t believe the number of people who do not wear sunglasses except when they’re at the beach. Crazy town.

3. Try not to smush your face into your pillow. As you get older, it will make those wrinkles worse. (Bets says: My mother can vouch for this! She has more wrinkles on the side of her face she sleeps on.)

4. Ask a friend if you make a lot of faces when you talk. You’d be surprised how many people frown deeply when they hear something they don’t like. Wonder how those furrows between your brows got there? That’s one reason. Also, practice not lifting your eyebrows—that causes those forehead wrinkles.

5. Rub the inner points of your eyebrows several times a day to relax the muscles. Try it and you’ll be surprised at how much tension gathers there (just like in your shoulders).

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This is Geri Brin, the founder of Fab Over Fifty, a fantastic website that celebrates women of substance and style. This week Geri turned 63. Isn’t she fabulous? And wise. I’m taking notes on her beauty picks, which come from years of trial and error. Happy Birthday, Geri!

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Clé de Peau Beaute Extra Rich Lipstick ($60) – I like the way this creamy lipstick glides over my lips and gives them just the right amount of moisture and color. Its extra richness comes from Vitamin A Acetate, according to the company. Biologique Recherche P50 Toner ($50) - The moment I dab P50 balancing lotion on my face, my skin feels tighter, fresher, and smoother. The smell is slightly medicinal—ingredients include lactic acid, witch hazel, onion, and sage extract—and it’s pretty pricey, but now that I’ve found P50, I’m not letting it out of my sight!  Kerastase Age Premium Bain Substantif Rejuvenating Shampoo ($34) - My hair definitely feels thicker and looks shinier after I’ve shampooed with this new formula for “mature” locks. It’s supposed to add essential minerals to Fab Over Fifty hair. Olay Professional Pro-X Age Repair Lotion with SPF 30 ($40) - This lotion has a smooth and light consistency and never feels the least bit greasy. A high SPF also protects against the sun’s damaging rays. I started seeing results, such as fewer fine lines and less pronounced deeper wrinkles, after using Pro-X for about a month. (Bets says: This is one of my favorite lotions, too!). Cover Girl LashBlast ($7) - This mascara really does transform thin lashes into fat and fab masterpieces. The brush easily separates the lashes and evenly coats them. I also love seeing the cool-looking orange tube on my vanity.

A: Congrats on 40! If I recall, it was Oprah’s favorite decade, before she hit 50. . .  It’s also the time when the visible signs of aging dig in their heels. The eye area is the most delicate, so typically the first to wrinkle. I’m in my early 30s and already know a thing or two about crow’s feet. And no, they don’t build character and I’m tired of people calling them laugh lines when they aren’t funny. But back to you, Stephanie M. Your first line of defense is sunblock. I say “block” because it tends to be less irritating around the eyes than a chemical sunscreen. Try: Kiehl’s Ultra Moisturizing Eye Stick SPF 30 ($20)

Your most powerful weapon is retinol, the gold standard of over-the-counter wrinkle-fighting treatments. Retinol also stimulates the production of collagen, which helps prevent new wrinkles from forming, and diminishes dark circles! Since retinol can be drying and is sensitized by the sun, I suggest wearing it only at night. Try: ROC Multi-Correxion Eye Treatment ($25)

During the day, go for a super moisturizing eye cream that will help plump up those fine lines and make them look smaller. There are loads of options on the market, but I’m crazy about the latest crop that contain illuminators which brighten up the entire eye area and make you look deceivingly more well-rested. Try: Origins GinZing Eye Cream ($29.50)

This weekly column features beauty advice from yours truly, with help from some of the brightest experts in the business. Whether you’re searching for the best bronzer or contemplating Botox, send questions to elizabeth@beautybets.com

This is my husband, Greg. He’s a mountaineer.

Greg is NOT a beauty junkie.

I am lucky if I can get him to wash his face.

He is, however, very selective about sunscreen. It can’t smell or sting and it has to work. He has probably tested dozens over the years without even realizing it (I’m good like that). Here are the three that have passed the test and remain staples in our house—and his 70-pound backpack. You don’t have to be a man or a mountaineer to appreciate their benefits.

Ole Henriksen Skin Insulator with SPF 15 ($35)
This rich, cushiony cream is calming and nourishing, thanks to linseed extract and grape seed oil. It doesn’t irritate Greg’s skin post-shave, so it’s the perfect daily moisturizer during cooler months when his skin is dry.

Kiehl’s All-Sport Non-Freeze Face Protector SPF 30 ($18.50)
This hockey puck-sized pot is filled with a wax-based, water-resistant balm that creates a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, wind, and water. It’s also perfect for protecting lips. Nothing gets through this stuff!

Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray SFP 70 ($11)
Old school and completely unglamorous, this is hard-core sun protection. The new spray application is hands-free, so it’s ideal when you’re dangling off a cliff at 14,000 feet, or at the beach, covered in sand.