TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.9*
Why it's great: Readers rave about this sunscreen's lightweight, matte finish. One reviewer likened the non-greasy formula to a primer -- perfect for layering under makeup without feeling heavy. "Over the years, I struggled to find a sunscreen that didn't feel thick and greasy," she says. "This one is the answer! It is light, smooth and soaks into the skin."
As for the value, one reader says this small bottle lasts all summer. "A little bit goes a long way," she says. "I actually like that the bottle is small and thin -- not big and bulky. I can throw it into my handbag and carry it with me."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.0*
Why it's great: According to readers, this drugstore sunscreen "beats high-end ones, by far." One reviewer writes, "I'm on my second bottle of this, and I have to say, it's close to the perfect sunscreen. With acne prone skin, I knew I had to try this product. Like it promises, it doesn't cause breakouts and leaves my skin matte." Some readers say the product is "liquidy" and drips off when you sweat, which appears to be a small price to pay for its lightweight texture and affordable price.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: "I have acne and the most sensitive face, but this sunscreen didn't make me break out," one reader writes. "It was a tad greasy, but was natural and smelled heavenly." Another reviewer says this gentle sunscreen is "the only sunblock that doesn't make [her] face break out." Readers also appreciate that the bottle is small enough to throw in your purse -- so you officially have no excuse to go without protection. The consensus? "This stuff rocks!"
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: According to readers, this day cream feels "light as air" and "goes on like silk." Multiple reviewers use it as a primer or moisturizer before applying their makeup. "It moisturizes, yet it has a matte finish," says one reader. "To top it all off, it has SPF 30, so I don't have to bother with sunscreen for my face -- love it."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: "This slightly tinted, light-as-a-feather product gives you broad spectrum protection against UVA (aging rays) and UVB (burning rays)," one reader says about this dual-purpose sunscreen and primer. "But it also soothes, softens and hydrates skin." Another reader raves, "This doesn't dry out my already dry skin as other primers do -- it actually moisturizes!"
Though the product is pricey, it "provides an easy, elegant and effective way to get daily sunblock on your face without mess or fuss" -- and most TotalBeauty.com reviewers say it's worth the cost.
Not to rain on your summer parade, but here are a few facts that should wake you up from your margarita-and-sun-induced coma, forcing you to take a big whiff of sunscreen: The incidence of melanoma (a deadly form of skin cancer) isn't going anywhere — an estimated 73,870 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed in the US this year. If that doesn't scare you, this will: 80 percent of the aging that dermatologists see is due to excess sun exposure, since it can break down the collagen and elastin in your skin and cause more wrinkles.
But enough of the doom and gloom — let's talk safe sun. Luckily, there are a slew of facial skin care products with SPF, and our readers have put them to the test. Shelve bad memories of your parents smearing thick, white, pasty zinc oxide on your nose and toss the idea that you can't wear sunscreen on your face if you have oily skin — this is the new generation of facial sunscreens. These products don't leave a white film on the skin, won't cause breakouts or an overly shiny face and can be applied seamlessly over or under makeup. See the best sunscreens for your face now.
Before we get going, here are some safe sun tips for healthy skin:
—Apply a shot glass full of sunscreen to cover your whole body. (At least SPF 15 daily, and for prolonged sun exposure, use a water resistant SPF 30 formula). Reapply every one to two hours while outdoors, says Heidi Waldorf, M.D. of Waldorf Dermatology & Laser Associates in Nanuet, New York.
—Use products containing zinc or avobenzone, which will help block UVA light so you don't accumulate more UV damage, says Katie Rodan, co-founder of Proactiv and Rodan + Fields Dermatologists.
—If you're spending a lot of time outside — especially during peak sun hours — wear a large brimmed hat (in addition to sunscreen) to shield your face and hair from sun damage.
If you're worried that all this sunscreen will keep you from your bronzy summer glow, you can reach for one of these top-rated bronzers. or self-tanners.
