We’ve been quite busy here in the past few weeks at Casa de Beauty Junkies, testing out tons of sunscreens to help you prep for the upcoming summer season. I’m a strong believer that our skincare products are completely useless if we’re not protecting our skin with a sunscreen on a daily basis—even if we’re only outside for a short amount of time. But with summer comes increased outdoor activity, and sunscreen becomes a necessity.
If you still have last year’s sunscreen in your cabinet—check the expiration date. If it’s expired, toss it! Additionally, if you’ve ever left it in a hot car or other hot environment, you definitely should toss it! Now that you have no sunscreen, you might be puzzled as to which new one to purchase next. See which sunscreens made the final cut after our extensive trials…
L’Oreal Sublime Sun Sunscreen Collection, $9.99–$10.99
I wasn’t able to pick just one sunscreen from L’Oreal’s new affordable Sublime Sun collection to share with you, because all of the products are just that good! Sublime Sun products are a daily staple in my home, and for once I don’t have to nag my husband to wear sunscreen anymore—he has ZERO complaints about stickiness or oiliness with these. Among our favorites—Sublime Sun Liquid Silk Sunshield with SPF 50 for Face because it’s thin and undetectable on the skin (I can even wear makeup over it). Additionally, we’re big fans of the Sublime Sun Crystal Clear SPF 50 Spray because it’s so convenient. Also available for body is the Sublime Sun Ultra-Light Lotion which is dry to the touch and available in both an SPF 30 and an SPF 50.
AVEENO HydroSport Spray SPF 30, $8.99
You know how a lotus flower has the ability to repel water? AVEENO HydroSport is the only sunscreen I know of that you can spray on wet skin, and it still works since it utilizes a natural lotus complex. The lotus complex not only helps bind this spray sunscreen to wet skin, but it’s also what makes HydroSport extremely water and sweat resistant. Fast-absorbing, oil-free, and hypoallergenic, this sunscreen spray is great for swimming and other water activities, at a very affordable price.
Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $26
The Uber-Dry SPF 30 from Peter Thomas Roth is everything I wish I had when I was beach-going back in my younger days! It’s non-oily, dries down to a completely matte finish, and is totally undetectable on the skin. This one is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin and also contains Vitamins A, C, and E for superb antioxidant protection. Uber-Dry is PABA, oil, and fragrance free, and this SPF 30 consistently scores high across the board in the beauty community.
See more sunscreens that made the cut…
J.R. Watkins SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, $11.99
This 95% natural, titanium dioxide-based sunscreen uses the power of shea butter to hydrate extremely dry skin and protects it from harmful UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. J.R. Watkins’ SPF 30 is paraben, dye, phthalate, and propylene glycol-free and has a nice aloe vera fragrance to it. Perfect for those who like a more natural approach.
Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 30 Luxious Protective Oil Spray, $28.50
This sunscreen from Vichy has to be the most hydrating I’ve tried this season yet! The Capital Soleil SPF 30 Luxurious Protective Oil Spray is my top pick for super-dry skin on the body. Before drying down to a satin finish, this hydrating oil acts as a body oil that nourishes skin while protecting it from harsh UV rays. It also contains white grape seed oil and Vitamin E for skin hydration and anti-oxidant protection benefits. If you like to glisten at the beach in your teeny bikini, try the Luxurious Protective Oil.
Ahava Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Anti-Aging Facial Moisturizer for Face, $29
Ideal for delicate facial skin, this mineral-based sunscreen from Ahava utilizes the skincare qualities of both seaweed and Dead Sea minerals, with the protective qualities of highly effective mineral sunscreens for broad-spectrum UV protection. It absorbs quickly and blocks a high percentage of UVA’s and UVB’s, and soothes even the most sensitive of skin.
Banana Boat Natural Reflect SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, $10.99
With 100% naturally-sourced mineral sunscreens, Natural Reflect from Banana Boat feels very clean on the skin once fully absorbed, and reflects both UVA and UVB rays. Both paraben and PABA-free, Natural Reflect is very water resistant and holds up in the sun, pool water, ocean water, wind, sweat, and sand—even in 100° heat.
SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 30, $30
Ideal for oily and acneic skin types, the Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 from SkinCeuticals is feather-light and ultra sheer on the face. It contains only physical sun filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), and is ideal for even the most sensitive of skin. This is one of our favorites, as its texture is very similar to the L’Oreal Sublime Sun Liquid Silk Sunshield for Face and is completely matte once absorbed.
