After paying attention but not always walking the talk, this summer I've been more vigilant about daily facial sun protection. Layering on sun protection and makeup, though, can be a bit tricky and even irksome until you find the right routine or products for yourself.

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ($39)  is serious protection that also solves the daily makeup routine--a treat for me in a summer like this one, with its unusual streak of very hot weather. Natural physical filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide high broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. The bonus is that it's sheer and mattifying and gives a subtle tinted coverage. So, great for the office, or the cottage-country break.

Founded in 1997 by dermatologists, SkinCeuticals emphasizes the power of antioxidants in age-prevention skin care. It recommends optimizing the efficacy of sun protection products by using them in tandem with one of its serums that  contain a high concentration of stabilized vitamin C. The company has been addressing another assault to youthful-looking  healthy skin. Apparently, we need protection not just from UVA/UVB but also from infrared radiation wavelength. This is somewhat a new discussion in sun protection. According to SkinCeuticals, antioxidants like vitamin C do help.