It may be hard to tell in between all the doom and gloom of rain and storms, but summer is almost upon us. So as the sun peeps out from behind the clouds, here are some essentials to ease you into the warmer weather.

Moisturiser with SPF and Lip Balm
You look out the window before heading to work and see it’s a little cloudy with some light drizzle. So you’re thinking the risk of getting burnt or damaging your skin is slim to none, right? WRONG!

If you live in Melbourne, you should really know not to judge the whole day’s weather by looking out the window in the morning – shame on you!

For everyone else in Australia, according to the Cancer Council, if the UV index is at 3 or above, you’re at risk and you should really be wearing sunscreen – the UV index is usually at 3 or above all the time between September and April.

But sunscreen can be a little heavy and greasy, and if it isn’t part of your routine, you’re probably not going to put it on. That’s where moisturiser comes into the mix. These days you can get lightweight, even water based moisturisers, with both broad-spectrum protection and SPF up to 30+. So while you’re treating your skin, you can protect it too.

And, while you’re protecting your skin, why not protect your lips too? Lips are just as likely to get burnt or damaged as the rest of your skin. Lip balms or chap sticks also have the dual ability of moisturising and protecting. Some lip balms are even labelled “lip protectant” and have SPF protection built in.

Hats and Sunglasses
Hats are not only for the races. It seems that everyone, everywhere is selling hats at the moment, in every colour and texture. They’re very cool and they’re also sun smart. The same applies with sunglasses. Protect your eyes!

Layers
It’s that time of year where the weather can be both hot and cold. You might go out wearing a dress only to find you are freezing by the end of the day – or a knitted top that’s drenched in a pool of sweat by the time you get home.

When you layer, you’re preparing for best case and worst case scenario, without being dressed inappropriately for the weather or compromising your sense of fashion.

Bright colours
It may not be summer just yet, but that doesn’t mean your wardrobe shouldn’t get excited that it almost is. Bright colours can lift moods, so it makes sense that when your wardrobe gets excited, you will too. The sooner you start getting yourself in the zone and tweaking your habits to prepare for the changing season, the sooner you’ll be having parties by the beach and chilling out to the sounds of your favourite bands.

This article first appeared for minx magazine.