One of the best things about being in Taiwan, is that maintaining a fair complexion is pretty much the number one priority for all women here. In Australia, I keep on top of this by wearing high SPF, broad spectrum sunscreen every single day, using skin brightening treatment products regularly, and stay in shaded areas when I’m outdoors.
In Taiwan, I can kick it up a notch by using a sun parasol.
A sun parasol is not a new concept, but it just is not socially acceptable in Australia. But here in Taiwan, where currently the sun is out from 7am to 6pm with no relief in the concrete jungle, you see almost every woman of all ages, walking around with their sun parasols in hand. And you can purchase this readily, just like umbrellas.
However, a sun parasol is not the same as an umbrella. This is a mistake that even some women make in Taiwan, as I see them carrying around clear umbrellas that would do nothing to protect them against the UV rays. This is what my sun parasol looks like:
Sun parasols are usually a little cuter than umbrellas – I went with a pink one with black frill edging. There was a leopard print one available, but since I wear a fair bit of leopard print clothing – I didn’t want to go OTT with it (yes there is a limit to how much leopard print one should wear in one outfit).
Aesthetics aside, note the utilitarian features that a sun parasol should have. On the outer, a reflective fabric that the UV rays would bounce off.
The inside should be a black fabric – to absorb any residual UV rays.
Sun parasol is worth spending some money on, to ensure that it does what it’s supposed to do – blocking out UV rays. I paid NT$350 (AUD$13) for mine, which is twice the price of a regular umbrella, and there are plenty that cost more. But also note – a sun parasol can still be used as an umbrella, as it’s waterproof as well.
I’ve been totally loving the fact that I can finally use an actual physical blocker to protect myself from the sun. I would have never been game enough to do this in Australia – just think of all the weird looks I’d get walking in a sunny day with what looks like an umbrella!
Mr Ronan still thinks all Taiwanese women are crazy for doing this – like a lot of anglo-saxon Aussies, he loves a tan and doesn’t wear sunscreen unless he’s spending a whole day topless on the beach.
So what do you think? Do you like the idea of carrying around a sun parasol? Would you do it if it’s more socially acceptable where you live?
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- sun parasol
I do it a fair bit in summer, here in oz. Everybody gives me the craziest look, but I’m not going anywhere without my sun parasol!
Celeste @ Becoming Beautiful recently posted..Missus Cellophane, shoulda been my name…
Celeste: I admire you so much for doing it! I’m too self conscious to even think about it >.<
I totally would carry one…in Australia! It’s a shame they aren’t ‘socially acceptable’ these days. I could only imagine how sophisticated the woman in the early 1900s looked walking in the sun with a parasol. I think that’s why it’s not accepted, people would think it’s ‘out dated’ (by 100 years lol) or just think you’re carrying an umbrella when there’s not a cloud in sight haha
Your parasol is so pretty!
I’m seriously considering buying one for Summer this year, who cares about the strange looks!…I won’t be the one with a red face at the end of the day
xo
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Evelyn: Yes buy one for this summer! The more people who carry it the more normal it would be in Oz.
Just to be safe – buy a sun parasol that looks very different to an umbrella
Thanks for the tip! something like this? http://lincraft.cart.net.au/details/3527445.html
Evelyn: Aww cute!
Love it! I would totally do this if I could get away with it. Perhaps I have to tell people I have an allergy to the sun or something
Dempeaux recently posted..Latest Asos Purchase – Polo Neck Midi Dress with Long Sleeves
Dempeaux: LOL that’s a good one! And we DO have an allergy – we are allergic to ageing!
I did notice that Taiwanese women in Taipei were not shy at all about whipping out their parasols to keep the sun out. It was really boiling so I did the same and didn’t feel the least embarrassed. I thought it was a great idea! Alas, I am at that stage in life where freckles are slowly becoming bigger – argh…and if I am not careful, they will become age spots! In Tokyo, women do it but less so…Though I think I would be shy in places where it is not the done thing.
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Beauty Box: I am now one of those women not shy with the sun parasol – I open it as soon as I leave the door! And it helps with shielding away the heat too.
I’m surprised that they don’t do it much in Tokyo – I thought Japanese women are even more obsessed with white skin?
Ok this is almost certainly something I should be using more often. I think I might like the leopard print one
I’m going to have to scour the Watson’s here to see if they stock something like this. I sometimes use a normal umbrella to shield from the sun but its not a UV blocking thing and no, its not mad to do so here 
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Paris B: LOL of course it’s totally okay to use sun parasols in Malaysia – although I sometimes visit the touristy areas and everyone there is getting their tan on (eek).
Get the leopard print one! You would look faaabulous!!!!
I actually see women using umbrellas in summer a lot around here… Must be my area, chingvale, haha.
Rin: OMG you crack me up big time with “chingvale” hahahaha. Good on the aunties at chingvale – they know what’s good for them!
Amen for sun parasols! I don’t understand why people don’t use this in Australia. We have the worst UV exposure compared to the rest of the world! People look at us funny
My mother-in-law, on the other hand, is obsessed with sun parasols. So much so that she cannot walk a metre without opening the brolly
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Tine: I know right? Surely not everyone in Oz wants a tan? Sun parasols are so much better than hats (and doesn’t flatten hair
)
I understand your mother-in-law’s obsession, I don’t go anywhere without my sun parasol now – I may just take it with me when I visit Oz!
Hi Tina, believe it or not I use one regularly in the Adelaide summer! More and more people use them in this city each summer… No odd looks yet. However I have just used a standard brolly, I’ll have to look for the real deal online! :p
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Sarah: Good for you! I really think the parasol should be used more often – since using it I’ve noticed my skin is not only fairer but is in better condition. Hope you’ll be able to find a real parasol online – the reflective and black layers make a real difference!