Sunshine and skincare: two essential ingredients for any perfect day outdoors. But let's face it, the sunscreen aisle can feel more overwhelming than deciding on which Netflix show to watch tonight. When we grew up, sun protection was just becoming a thing and specialized sunscreen for your face or skin type? Forget about it. Our biggest decision was baby oil or Coppertone SPF 8. Whether you're wrestling with the SPF numbers or you just want to know which bottle won’t leave you feeling like a greasy mess, we’ve got you covered.
According to our trusted dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Kazin (see Skin Q&A), sunscreen is the most important skin care product to use. We're here to sift through the myriad of options, from sprays to creams and everything in between. So, grab your sunglasses and let’s find that ideal sunscreen that feels less like a sticky obligation and more like a secret weapon for your skin. It’s time to make sun protection effortless and fun!
We tested all of these and each passed the no sunburn test. Some of our favorites:
This Non-Nano Zinc Oxide SPF 30 protects against UVA/UVB damage without leaving a ghostly white cast. Antioxidant-rich raspberry seed oil and extracts of spirulina and cucumber defends the skin from age-accelerating free radical damage. It is plant-based, filler and toxin free and comes in a recyclable sugarcane tube, making it safe for you, your family and the planet. It looks and feels like a typical mineral sunscreen but rubs in clear like a lotion.
House of Hilt Skincare Sunscreen - Use ShesGot15 for 15% off your purchase.
We were shocked to learn that our skin can be damaged from the blue light emitted from our computers and cell phones! This sunscreen not only protects against UV rays, pollution and glycation but also digital blue light. It promises to help keep fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots at bay and protects skin from environmental dehydration. It felt super light on our skin and a bonus, it smells like cucumber!
Spray sunscreen can be hit or miss - but this non-aerosol spray, chemical-free mineral sunscreen was a winner. It provides weightless broad-spectrum SPF50+ UVA/UVB protection with no white cast. It is non-greasy and rubs in easily. Enriched with watermelon, algae and aloe to nourish and hydrate your skin. Plus - it's reef safe and good for the environment.
Malibu Beach Bum Blocked SPF50 - Amazon
Sun Bum offers every nearly variation of sunscreen but at the end of the day, we love their original face stick. It glides on easily with no rubbing needed, feels light on our face and its compact packaging fits into a handbag or pocket. Plus, we obsess over its iconic summer smell!
Neutrogena is always reliable and won’t break the bank. This lotion, featuring Neutrogena’s dry touch technology absorbs excess oil as it protects so it feels lightweight and dry on your skin. At a higher SPF, we know it will keep our skin burn-free.
This aloe gel rescue creme is one of our best finds and a summer skin lifesaver. It applies smooth and dries instantly without any stickiness like most aloe products. It begins cooling as soon as it touches your skin so you know it is helping you heal immediately. It also has a minty fresh smell!
Dune Suncare The LifeGuard - Amazon
In conclusion, finding the right sunscreen is essential for enjoying those perfect sunny days while keeping your skin protected and healthy. Navigating through the endless options might seem daunting, but with our tested and recommended picks, you can confidently choose a sunscreen that fits your needs without feeling like a greasy mess. From the eco-friendly and effective House of Hilt Skincare Sunscreen to the reliable and budget-friendly Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70, each product offers unique benefits to suit different preferences and skin types.
Remember, the key to effortless sun protection is choosing a sunscreen you love to use. So, slather on that SPF, grab your sunglasses, and embrace the sunshine with confidence!