53 sun protection products for all occasions
Text: Adele Miftahova
Choosing the right sunscreen for your needs can be tiring, and lists with dozens of vials do not always help. We've divided sunscreen into categories based on the area of the body and the situation in which they are needed, and found several worthy options for any wallet. And if you are still not sure about the need for sun protection, we recommend reading our about sunburn, ultraviolet and its effect on the skin.
For the body on the beach
On the beach in direct sunlight, it is worth using resistant products that contain both chemical and physical filters. It's best to choose products labeled "waterproof" but don't rely on it too much and reapply protection every few hours and after swimming. We advise you to choose products with a factor of 20-30, because SPF 50 and more inspires a false sense of security, in which you want to rely on numbers and not be too responsible about updating the protective layer.
Vichy Ideal Soleil Invisible Hydrating Mist SPF 30
A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen spray that is also available in SPF 50 and is particularly suitable for parts of the body that are out of reach. Thanks to the fine spray, it applies evenly and quickly, but it's important to make sure you get a really good coverage on the skin. It is better to use it in a ventilated room, otherwise there is a risk of protecting your lungs from the sun.
Yet: Nivea Sun Protect & Cool SPF 30, COOLA Sport Continuous Spray SPF 50
Clarins Sun Care Cream Moisturizes Age-Control SPF 30
A product with a combination of physical and chemical filters for those who are accustomed to classic textures. When used correctly, it will completely protect against burns and pigmentation, but will allow the skin to acquire a slight bronze tint. Also available in variant
SPF 20.
Yet: Uriage Bariésun Crème Minerale SPF 50+, Garnier Ambre Solaire Extra Protection SPF 50
Shiseido Sun Protection
Lotion SPF 15
Thanks to the cult of fair skin, Asian brands, like no other, have learned how to create effective sun protection. This non-sticky, lightweight lotion absorbs quickly and leaves no residue on the skin, spreads easily and smells great. A nice bonus: the lotion is on the recommended list of the American Skin Cancer Association, which is famous for its strict selection criteria.
Yet: Biotherm Anti-Drying Melting Milk SPF 30, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Spray SPF 30
For the face on the beach
On the beach, it is convenient to use the same product for the face as for the body, especially if it is declared as multifunctional. Here you can (and should) sacrifice the ideal tone in favor of a thick layer of good protection. But often the skin of the face is very different from the skin of the body, and creams or gels with different properties are needed for it. A sun protection factor above 15 will protect against the bulk of the radiation, but if your skin is particularly sensitive to the sun or has a family history of melanoma, then those few percent difference in protection between SPF 15 and 50 will make a difference.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL
A light fluid that is suitable for combination and oily skin and will not provoke additional shine of the face. Practically does not leave a white coating, despite the presence of zinc oxide in the composition. Contains alcohol, so we recommend using moisturizing serums and light creams before and after tanning. The company also produces a thicker cream for sensitive and dry skin.
Yet: Bioderma Photoderm AKN Mat SPF 50, Nature Republic No Sebum Sun Block SPF 45
Lancaster Sun Beauty Velvet Touch Cream Radiant Tan SPF 30
Cream with a classic dense texture, designed specifically for being in the open sun. It prevents photoaging and contains both types of filters, which means it should be used with caution if your skin is prone to irritation and acne (the texture is dense, and chemical filters should be used with caution on sensitive skin).
Yet: Institut Esthederm No Sun Ultra High Protection Cream, Clinique Face Cream SPF 30
SkinCeuticals Mineral Radiance
UV Defense SPF 50
Some chemical filters in sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergic reactions. We advise you to pay attention to products marked "mineral", since physical filters are less aggressive towards the skin, because they are on the surface, and not absorbed. This cream is also paraben-free and suitable for acne-prone skin.
Yet: Avène Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+, Medik8 Physical Sunscreen SPF 30
For the city
In the summer in the city, the last thing you want is to wear several layers of cosmetics on your face, and for daily use, we advise you to choose light sunscreens in the form of gels or liquid lotions. They should be applied over all skin care products, but some creams contain so many caring ingredients that they can be considered a complete skin care product. Do not forget to apply protection in the city not only on the face, but also on the décolleté and on the back of the neck. Remember that sunscreen formulas are designed to last as long as possible on the skin, and therefore should be washed off as thoroughly as long-wear makeup.
The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco Sebum Control Moisture Sun
SPF 40
A light matting cream for oily skin that does not provoke inflammation and additional oiliness. A real find for those who are afraid of dense creams that make the pores more visible, and the skin texture is uneven. It goes well under make-up and even prolongs its durability.
Yet: Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25, Avène Hydrance Optimale UV Light SPF 20
Crème de La Mer The Reparative Face Sun Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Superbly absorbed and leaves the skin pleasantly radiant without overloading it. It is quite possible to use instead of a moisturizer as the final stage of care, since the lotion itself provides very good hydration and nutrition. It is completely invisible on the face and acts as an excellent make-up base for not too oily skin.
Yet: Natura Siberica White SPF 20, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
COOLA Makeup Setting Spray
SPF 30
Sunscreen face sprays are an undeservedly rare product from popular brands. Renewing protection over makeup in the middle of the day is a question for many, and we believe that the easiest way to do this is to use a fine mist spray. COOLA is an organic brand that specializes in sun protection, and this spray will not only protect your face from UV rays, but also help make your makeup last longer.
Yet: Tony Moly UV Sunset Aqua Sun Spray SPF 50+ PA+++
Foundation with SPF
The easiest way to protect your face without overburdening your skin is to use your regular skin care routine but switch to one with sunscreen or a mineral powder. Many foundations contain SPF 10-15, so here the choice is only for textures and shades. We understand that many people are not ready to give up good coverage even in hot weather, but we advise you to use light creams and mask certain areas with a dense concealer.
Chanel CC Cream Complete Correction SPF 30 PA+++
Light corrective cream is almost invisible on the face and can adapt to different skin tones. Despite the tenderness and lightness of the texture, it stays on the face all day even on combination skin and just gradually disappears from the face without rolling. Unfortunately, completely white-skinned people in Russia were deprived of attention and did not bring the lightest shade in the line.
Yet: Estée Lauder Enlighten EE Even Effect Skintone Corrector SPF 30, Lumene CC Color Correcting Cream SPF 20
Bourjois City Radiance Skin Protecting Foundation SPF 30
The foundation with the effect of radiance, despite the fairly good coverage, is almost not felt on the skin. With its affordable cost, it lies on the face no worse, if not better, than many luxury foundations. Suitable for those who prefer denser foundations, but do not want to overload the face in the heat. Owners of combination and oily skin during the day may need matting wipes or powder.
Yet: MAC Waterweight Foundation SPF 30, Chanel Vitalumière Aqua Fresh and Hydrating Cream Compact Makeup SPF 15
Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF 30 Dry Sunscreen
Powders are another great way to refresh mid-day protection over makeup. We also recommend looking at powder foundations for those whose skin has become more oily with the onset of summer and needs a long-lasting mattifying agent. Some companies recommend using a moisturizing spray over the powder to "glue" the mineral particles and literally create a sun screen.
Yet: Clinique Sun SPF 30 Mineral Powder Makeup for Face, Revlon PhotoReady Powder SPF 15
Lip products
Separate lip sunscreens are not very popular, despite the fact that their thin skin is especially susceptible to ultraviolet radiation. We advise you to either pay attention to decorative products with sun protection, or use special balms before applying your usual lipsticks and glosses. Lip products usually do not have a very high protection factor, and manufacturers can be understood: the more chemical and physical filters in the composition, the harder the texture is to handle.
Seventeen Matte Lasting Lipstick SPF 15
Even in summer, many of us want bright colors on our lips, but soft creamy lipsticks tend to run in the sun without a special base, so we advise you to pay attention to especially persistent options. One of the best matte lipstick formulas on the market, it hardly dries lips and lasts a long time even in hot, humid weather.
Yet: Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge SPF 12, Clinique High Impact Lip Color SPF 15
Clinique Long Last Glosswear
SPF 15
A simple and clear gloss that performs its two main functions: holds and shines. Despite its durability, it is almost not felt on the lips, which is especially nice in summer. The palette of colors, though small, but pleasant, all shades are translucent, with a small shimmer. The gloss is also great for lips, but keep in mind that the formula is very viscous and long hair is likely to stick with the slightest movement.
Yet: YSL Rouge Volupté Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15, Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15
Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 20
A special lip balm contains physical filters, so it can slightly whiten lips when applied thickly, and also serves as an excellent base for bright glosses and lipsticks. Practically does not shine and does not have strong caring properties, but it does not dry out the lips. We especially recommend paying attention to this remedy for people with very light and sensitive skin.
Yet: Carmex Ultra Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15, Belweder Stick Solaire Protecteur SPF 20
Special Protection
In the heading “maybe you didn’t even know that you need these products”, we want to remind you that certain parts of the body and face need additional protection, especially if there are damage and moles on the skin. We also rarely think about protecting hair, but studies have shown that in the sun they lose keratin and pigments. And it is certainly not at all obvious that it is necessary to protect the scalp, which receives the most direct radiation. The main part of the scalp is already protected by hair (if any), but there are always unprotected areas, such as a parting or growth line, which are especially painful to get burned.
Kiko Milano Solar Protect Stick SPF 50
The sunscreen stick is an extremely convenient remedy for parts of the body that need special attention: lips, ears, nose, damaged and sensitive areas of the skin. It is applied in a thick layer and perfectly protects the skin from burns and damage. If there are moles, scars and tattoos in open places, we advise you to treat them separately with a stick before going out into the sun.
Yet: Vichy Capital Ideal Soleil SPF 50, Clinique Sun SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick
Aveda Sun Care Protective
hair Veil
The sun paired with sea water creates beautiful surfer curls, but do not forget that this effect is achieved due to damage and discoloration of the hair. Modern sunscreens for hair are rarely really able to protect hair from radiation, but they can prevent color loss and moisturize. Skin filters do not work on hair, so using body sunscreens on hair is hardly justified. We advise either to pick up special sprays and creams (which are not so easy to find), or - and this is the simplest thing - to wear a hat.
Yet: Wella Professionals Sun Protection Spray, Lancaster Sun Beauty Hair Multy-Protective Hair Spray
BareMinerals Mineral Veil Finishing Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 25
If on the beach it is easiest to protect the scalp from the sun with a hat or use a light protective cream, then in the city this is not always justified. And while the manufacturers have not released a dry shampoo with sunscreens, we suggest you manage with what you have. Sunscreen mineral powder is not only a universal product with physical filters, but also an excellent invisible adsorbent. Choose transparent options and apply on the parting before going out into the sun.
Yet: Nioxin System 2 Scalp Treatment SPF 15, Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45
Photo:© AlenKadr - stock.adobe.com. , Vichy, Amazon, Shiseido, Heinemann Duty Free, Feelunique, Apothica, Chocomart, La Mer, Sephora, Chanel, Seventeen, Clinique, Kiko
