The other day, I was browsing through Netflix and thought of something profound: What SPF would these characters wear on their pretty faces?
It might be slightly neurotic – okay, maybe bordering obsessive – but skincare and heartthrobs make for a very happy me. While rewatching You Season 2, I couldn’t help but wonder how Joe keeps his skin so eventoned even while he frolicks about in the daytime. Then I went back and watched Schitt’s Creek, amazed at David’s own skin, wondering what a once wealthy socialite would resort to after losing it all. And of course, I thought deeply about Peter from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before. Beautiful, dopey, and down-to-Earth, what SPF would he choose from the many on drugstore shelves?
SEE ALSO: Supergoop, a love story
I’ve compiled a list of what I surmise each would use. Here are other guys I love and the sunscreens they absolutely (probably) wear!
Joe from You
His pick: Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $34
You is a character study in stalker behavior and I, for one, wouldn’t (or … would??) want to be Joe’s object of affection. One thing I can get behind? His radiant, blemish-free skin (Aside from when he’s covered in blood from, you know, murdering people) and being the meticulous person he is, there’s no way he would forgo SPF. Joe is probably both disgruntled and intrigued by popular brands and would absolutely try the ultra-popular brand Supergoop! to fit into the LA scene. In his case, it’s Unseen Sunscreen because, you know, he wants to be discreet and invisible to the world. This one goes on seamlessly without any residue or evidence you’re wearing anything at all.
David from Schitt’s Creek
His pick: La Mer’s Soleil de La Mer The Reparative Body Sun Lotion, $100
David knows luxury, though he had to give everything up. It’s easy to believe he’d splurge on an expensive SPF like La Mer while probably saving himself from other things like new clothing – the man really knows how to recycle looks! The brand-conscious, high-society exile definitely uses the pricey and much-raved-about brand for his daily SPF protection. Yes, even if it’s not stocked at Rose Apothecary!
The Boys from Stranger Things
Their pick: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, $14.99
Mike, Will, Dustin, and Lucas probably haven’t thought twice about sunscreen, but we know their overbearing parents do! Since they’re always riding their bikes around, hiking up crazy hills and uh, defeating perilous monsters, it’s good their parents force them with an SPF 100+ to get them through the day. This one from Neutrogena is so long-lasting it’ll get them from morning to night, to their next adventure.
Eric Effong from Sex Education
His pick: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60, $29.99
Eric was introduced as the trusty and wonderful sidekick to protagonist Otis but has quickly become a stand-out character on this often wild and heartfelt show. Eric’s boisterous nature and affinity for putting together straight-up amazing outfits show he puts time and energy into the things and people he loves. It also makes it entirely plausible that he’s just as opinionated and loyal about his choice of sun protection as he is towards other aspects of his life. Found in every pharmacy in the UK, this accessible and long-lasting sunscreen would definitely be Eric’s trusty pick of the bunch. Just like he’s a committed, lifelong friend to Otis, this hard-working SPF is easily there for Eric.
Fezco from Euphoria
His pick: Hawaiian Tropical Sheer Touch Sunscreen, $8
While Fezco’s quite busy being a full-time drug dealer – and often looking out for Rue as well –that doesn’t mean he’s impervious to the sun’s harmful rays. He does run a small convenience store— which operates as the front for his more lucrative business, so we can totally see him reaching for this affordable and simple sunscreen, leaving him with a radiant glow while he goes about his business.
Jung Kim from Kim’s Convenience
His pick: Aveeno’s Protect & Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $12.50
It’s easy enough to find at a local convenience store and offers enough non-greasy protection for a non-committed guy looking for a simple sunscreen that gets the job done. While Jung’s attempting to stay on the right track after his period of teenage rebellion and reconnecting with his family, his efforts should also extend to daily UV protection! He can definitely find this brand in Canada as well, so there’s no reason for him to skip the sunscreen. Plus, Shannon is bound to be impressed with his developing skincare routine.
Schmidt from New Girl:
His pick: Eminence Organic Skin Care Organic Sun Defense Minerals SPF 30, $58
Schmidt is a fancy guy and is likely to buy a sunscreen that looks offers more than the normal spray or lotion. He likes to take care of his appearance and would like how this SPF offers minimal coverage along with sun protection. As he navigates his humorous, crazy roommate situation, he doesn’t often get too much sleep, often participating in a variety of antics instead. Out of his three roommates, he’s the most likely to want a sensorial experience – like a brush. For that, he turns to Eminence Organic’s mineral powder.
Peter from To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You
His pick: Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 50, $14
Peter is doofy, loveable, and super dependable. His lowkey, no-fuss style makes us feel he wants something to match his personality. This one from Cetaphil is affordable, easy to use, and equally loveable – its formula goes on easy without a greasy residue. When he isn’t thinking about school, sports, or his love for Lara Jean, it’s his protecting his skin that he thinks about most.
