The BEat by Kara Alloway - July Edition
The Reapplication Principle: What Sunscreen Taught Me in Paris
Paris in June is every bit as cinematic as you’d expect. The language lilts. The cafés spill onto sunlit sidewalks. And if you’re blessed (as I was) to be walking it all with someone you love, the magic only multiplies. But this particular trip wasn’t about amour. It was about sunscreen. And grace. But mostly, it was about reapplication.
Let me explain.
I had flown to Paris to meet my middle son, Hunter, who had just finished representing Canada at an engineering conference. It also happened to be his birthday. So, thanks to my generous husband’s gentle encouragement, I hopped on a plane to surprise Hunter and celebrate together. It was hot—really hot. The kind of heat where even the shade doesn’t offer relief. Sunscreen wasn’t optional—it was survival.
As someone who’s (finally) trying to do the right thing with skincare, I packed my best clean, spray-on SPFs. I needed formulas that were light enough to layer on top of my makeup, were not aerosols (inhalation and eye irritation risks) and didn’t feel greasy. Most importantly- they had to be easy to reapply, because every good SPF user knows once in the morning isn’t enough.
And that’s when it hit me: it’s the same with faith.
For years, I’d start my day with a quick prayer. You know the type: “Thank You for this day, keep me safe, bless the kids.” A little spiritual dab behind the ears and I was out the door. But by midday, I’d feel completely exposed. I’d be frustrated, anxious, or discouraged, and wonder why I didn’t feel God’s peace or protection the way other people seemed to.
What I’ve learned—and what Paris helped crystallize—is that spiritual protection works like SPF. It’s not the one-time morning application that carries you. It’s the returning. The checking in. The ongoing coverage.
I’ve started treating prayer like reapplication. Now, I pause throughout the day—between errands, before meetings, while folding laundry—and say things like, “God, please be in this conversation,” or “Help me know what’s mine to carry and what’s Yours.” And yes, I still pray for parking spaces. Sometimes He says yes, sometimes He says, “Walk a bit, Kara—you’ll live.” But even in that, there’s protection.
Because when you take everything to Him—when you return and return and return—you begin to see it’s not about getting what you want. It’s about walking closely enough to know what He wants. And that’s when you feel covered. That’s when you feel protection not visible to the naked eye.
When my faith feels thin or my peace feels distant, I ask myself—when was the last time I re-applied?
I don’t need to overcomplicate it. Grace is available all day long. But I do need to show up for it. Again. And again.
Kara’s Favorite Clean Spray-On Sunscreens (Because He may be your shelter, but He still expects you to wear sunscreen)
Florida Glow SPF 50 Dry-Touch Spray
• No chemical propellants. Bag on valve means no chemical propellant.
• It doesn’t give glass skin sheen but won’t give you ghost face either.
• Peptides and Vitamin C offer added skincare benefits.
Buy it here.
Coola Refreshing Water Mist SPF 18
• Fine facial mist spray, not pressurized—no aerosols involved.
• Super light and refreshing—feels like a spritz of spa water.
• Aloe, coconut water, and plant stem cells help calm and hydrate.
$64 on Well.ca.
Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50
• Non-aerosol spray that you can actually use over makeup.
• Gives a soft glow without messing up your look. Transparent on ALL skin tones.
• Infused with niacinamide and vitamin E to soothe and protect skin.
Learn more about it here.
Everyday Humans Rose From Above SPF 35 Mist
• Mist format with no aerosol—just pump and go.
• Light rose scent, matte-ish finish
• Ceramides + antioxidants = a little skin nourishment with your SPF.Make it stand out
Learn more about this brand here.
Habit N°41 Mister SPF 41
• Sprays from a glass bottle, zero aerosol in sight.
• Smells like neroli and feels like skincare in a spritz.
• Hyaluronic acid and green tea for hydration and protection—plus, it fits in your bag.
Find it here.
What About Korean Beauty SPFs?
I’ll say it plainly: if you can get your hands on a clean Korean beauty sunscreen, stock up. I love them—especially the cult-favorite from Beauty of Joseon.
Unfortunately, due to Health Canada’s import restrictions on chemical sunscreens, these holy grails aren’t available through standard retail in Canada. If you have a friend or family member traveling, consider asking them to grab a few bottles for you.
