TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.6*
Why it's great: "One of the things I hate most about sunscreen is the smell," one reader says. "This product is close to scentless. It goes on clear and isn't thick or oily. Plus, the bottle is tiny -- perfect for stashing in a purse or makeup bag." Other reviewers appreciate the product's non-irritating formula and "matte, silky finish, which actually evens out skin tone."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.6*
Why it's great: With more than 50 reviews, this "amazing" sunblock has garnered broad approval from TotalBeauty.com members. "High SPF, high percentage of physical sunblock ingredients and it's tinted so it blends in with your skin tone," gushes one reader. "Plus, there's a creamy feel and no white cast." Another fan adds: "I get no breakouts or irritation from this product." Overall, reveiwers agree that this is an "awesome sunscreen for sensitive skin."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.8*
Why it's great: "I have combination-oily skin, so I have to be really careful about what I put on my face, but this sunscreen is fantastic," raves one reader about this dermatologist-recommended sunscreen. "It doesn't make my face greasy at all." Another reader says, "This is the absolute best sunscreen you can get. It has nine percent zinc oxide for great protection, it's moisturizing enough so you can use it alone, it doesn't leave white streaks and it feels great after you put it on. You can't ask for more from a sunscreen."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.8* Why it's great: This powder sunscreen gives "perfect light coverage without a powdered look," according to reviewers. "Whoever thought of this is a genius," raves one reviewer. "We are told to apply sunscreen every two hours but who wants to put lotion sunscreen over a face full of makeup? This is our answer." Overall, reviewers say it is "worth the high cost."
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."
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.
