Your Ultimate Summer Sunscreen Guide
Like taking Omega-3 supplements, applying sunscreen is one of those things you know you should do but likely avoid. And sunblock is not exactly the most fun or gratifying — let alone easy-to-figure-out — product to buy. But Yahoo Beauty’s got your back (and shoulders and nose and cheeks). We checked in with New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank for some simple guidelines to keep in mind before you hit the store:
Look for sunscreen labeled ‘broad spectrum.’ This means it provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays — two types of harmful ultraviolet rays. Choose SPF 30 and above.
Know your options. Physical blockers (such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) reflect the sun’s rays and are the most effective and potent products. Chemical sunscreens (like avobenzone and octisalate) work by absorbing the sun’s rays and are generally the more “cosmetically elegant” choice.
Apply — and reapply. Slather yourself at least 15 minutes before you set foot in the sun, because that’s how long it takes for the sunscreen to get absorbed and begin protecting you. And reapply if you’re in the water for more than 20 minutes — especially since there’s no such thing as “waterproof,” according to new FDA guidelines. Even if you’ve remained on land, rub some more into your delicate skin every two to three hours.
So which particular product is best for you? The good news is that, with so many options on the market, you can choose one that suits your needs perfectly — whether you want ease of application, better efficacy, less greasiness, or multitasking skincare capabilities that’ll keep you safe and baby soft.
Below are 20 of the season’s best sunscreens:
FACE:
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30: This moisturizing yet nongreasy chemical sunscreen absorbs quickly and has a traditionally beachy coconut scent.
Target, $7.95
La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid: This classic “veil”-type chemical sunscreen is lightweight and absorbs easily without leaving white residue. It also contains antioxidants for added skin protection.
Ulta, $29.99
L’Oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Silky Sheer Face Lotion SPF 30: This affordable, lightweight liquid absorbs easily, has a subtle scent, and contains antioxidants.
Walmart, $7.97
Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Waterlight SPF 50+: This liquid blocker sunscreen doesn’t leave any of the white residue that zinc and titanium formulas sometimes do. You can even skip the makeup primer when you use it, as the lotion leaves a beautiful finish.
Sephora, $48
SPRAYS:
Kiss My Face Cool Sport with Any Angle Air Powered Spray SPF 50: You can spray this chemical sunscreen from any angle, ensuring quick, even coverage. It also contains aloe and cucumber, providing a cooling sensation when it hits your skin.
Kissmyface.com, $12.75
L’Oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Quick Dry Sheer Finish Spray SPF 50: This innovative new chemical sunscreen spray dries almost instantly, leaving no sticky, wet feeling to contend with.
Drugstore.com, $10.99
Banana Boat Protect and Hydrate 2-in-1 Sunscreen Spray: Spray sunscreens can sometimes be drying, but this one contains aloe for a hit of moisturizer while you’re protecting.
CVS, $9.99
LOTIONS:
Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 30 Lotion: This heavy-duty — yet lightweight — workhorse will keep your skin protected during long, sunny beach days. It’s a must-pack for any beach vacation.
Walgreens, $10.99
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50: In addition to a chemical sunscreen formula, this product contains Aveeno’s signature colloidal oatmeal to help stave off dry skin.
Soap.com, $9.95
Coppertone Clearly Sheer for Beach and Pool Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50: New from Coppertone this year, this chemical sunscreen absorbs quickly, has a citrusy floral scent, and is designed not to[PN4] cause breakouts.
Drugstore.com, $9.49
Australian Gold SPF 30 Lotion Sunscreen with Instant Bronzer: This chemical sunscreen lotion gives you the slightest, albeit temporary, bronzy glow while you protect yourself from a real one. Reviewers rave about the scent, which can best be described as coconut bubble gum.
Walmart, $7.94
Sun Bum PRO SPF 50 Sunscreen: If surfers swear by it (which they do), then you can be pretty sure it’s effective. This chemical-physical sunscreen combo stays put and protects for hours.
SunBum.com, $17.99
NATURAL:
Honest Co. SPF 30 Sunscreen: This zinc oxide–based sunscreen, from the line founded by Jessica Alba, contains soothing flower extracts and sunflower oil.
Nordstrom, $13.95
Coola Sport SPF 45 Fresh Mango Classic Sunscreen: This beautiful-smelling sunscreen could double as a fancy moisturizer and muscle soother, thanks to the cool inclusion of organic arnica.
Coolasuncare.com, $32.00
STICKS:
California Baby SPF 30+ Sunblock Stick: Sticks are convenient — both for carrying and for applying to tiny spots like noses and ears. This fragrance-free one is titanium dioxide-based and made for sensitive skin.
Target, $14.99
Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Sunscreen Stick: This is another sensitive-skin physical-formula stick and is amazingly nongreasy and nonsticky.
Burt’s Bees, $10.00
EYES:
Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20: The delicate eye area needs some extra attention and care, and this luxurious eye cream provides it, doubling as a brightener.
Bloomingdale’s, $39.50
SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50: This high-SPF sunscreen has a bit of a tint for concealing and does not budge when you sweat, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
SkinCeuticals, $30
ALTERNATIVE:
Vichy Capital Soleil Lightweight Foaming Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 50: This innovative formula comes out like a mousse, which makes it really easy (and kind of fun) to spread on. CVS, $29.99
Supergoop! Sun Defying Oil Broad Spectrum SPF 50: It seems counterintuitive to use an oil for sun protection, but it’s a trend this year, and a brilliant carrier for sunscreen, as it spreads easily. This particular one contains argan oil and antioxidants and provides a flattering sheen.
Sephora, $26
Photo: Trunk
