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The Best Sunscreens for Your Holiday Getaway
If you're celebrating the holiday with a beach getaway, don't forget to pack the season's most essential resort wear: sunscreen. We've complied a list of the best sunscreens, fit for all of your on-the-go skincare needs. Make sure to include a few of these anti-aging sunblockers as part of your getaway gear:
Best Sunscreen Stick: Shiseido Sun Protection Stick SPF 37, $32. A handy, portable stick of protection is a summer necessity to keep sun-sensitive areas like your ears, nose, and cheeks adequately protected. But you don’t want to put just any waxy substance on your face for fear of breakouts. This broad-spectrum water-resistant balm spreads evenly without leaving any white residue or clogging up your pores.
Best Tinted Sunscreen For Face: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $34. It’s okay to admit that you like the way a bit of color on your face makes you look (and feel) a little younger—just don’t get it from the sun itself. The universal tint in this physical board-spectrum, water-resistant formula evens out pretty much every skin tone, while protecting your skin from the aging effects of sun exposure.
Best Sunscreen For Dry Skin: Physician's UV Defense SPF 30 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB, $28. This physical sunscreen feels no different than your daily moisturizer, but it has micronized titanium dioxide to effectively block UVA / UVB rays and green tea extract and aloe vera to nourish the skin and provide antioxidant protection. It’s no surprise that's it's such a winner, considering it comes from the offices of famed New York City-based dermatologist Dr. David Colbert and his team.
Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+, Sensitive, $26. Whether you're allergic or just prefer to keep as many chemicals as possible out of your life, Blue Lizard is one of the best chemical-free sunscreens out there. Their UVA/UVB protective formulas are mineral-based using a photo-stable zinc oxide that won't break down in the heat. They're also paraben-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, and propylene glycol-free.
Best All-Time Dermatologist Favorite: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face, $30. For years and years, anytime you ask a dermatologist for his or her best sunscreen recommendation you will almost always here: Anthelios. As one of the first photostable sunscreens to provide both UVA and UVB protection, it long ago cemented its place in the hearts of those who care deeply about the skin. It’s definitely worth the price.
Best Sunscreen Body Oil: Supergoop! Sun-defying Sunscreen Oil Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $20. Yes, you can still wear oil…just not baby oil like you may have done in the ‘80s. This Supergoop! Version actually doesn't feel greasy, but gives great protection and a little pop of shine. Bonus: it has moisturizing meadowfoam seed oil to help prevent dry skin. It's especially greats on legs and arms when you're wearing a cute sundress or shorts with a tank.
Best Sunscreen For Hair & Scalp: Clarins Sunscreen Care Oil for Hair and Scalp, $35. Not many people realize that their hair part needs protection too. Not only does a burn scalp put you at risk for skincare, but it can also lead to unsightly flakes. And you’ve likely spent way too much money on your hair color and keratin treatments to let a summer in the sun ruin it all. While wearing a hat is ideal for protection, we also love this dry (no grease!) oil. You can even use it on your body too.
Best On-A-Budget Sunscreen: Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen, $13. Avobenzone is one of the best UVA sunscreen ingredients approved by the FDA, but ironically it's highly unstable when exposed to sunlight. Neutrogena was among the first to figure out how to stabilize it in their patented Helioplex technology, providing better, longer protection. Now it's in all of their sunscreen, but we particularly like the Beach Defense line which helps repel salt and sand.
Best Quick Dry For Sport: L'Oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Sunscreen SPF 50+ Quick Dry Sheer Finish Spray, $10. This new formula from L’Oréal is sure to be an instant hit with anyone planning to partake in some sweaty outdoor fun this summer. The spray is super light and dries almost instantly. Plus, it even includes vitamin E and grapeseed extract for added anti-aging benefits.
Best Water-Resistant Sunscreen: Banana Boat Sport Cool Zone Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 30, $9. If you’re going to spend any amount of time in the water, you need a reliable water-resistant formula. This light mist dries instantly, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and, thanks to a touch of aloe, has a refreshing cooling effect on the skin.
WORDS: Abby Gardner