TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.3*
Why it's great: Readers appreciate this product for its powerful sun protection and water-resistant formula. They say it doesn't feel greasy, and stays on all day. "This sunscreen does the job superbly without irritating my very fair and sensitive skin," explains one reviewer.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: This light and airy product triples as a sunscreen, moisturizer and translucent foundation, making the $75 price tag a little less distressing. The formula blends evenly with many complexions, hydrates skin and has a slight matte finish — plus, it leaves "skin silky-smooth after washing off at night." One reviewer sums up: "This is my Holy Grail, and it's a keeper."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: "[I] love this stuff, as it doesn't leave my face feeling loaded up with grease," exclaims one reviewer. Others agree, saying that the product absorbs easily, works well under makeup and leaves skin feeling fresh — not oily. It's a "go-to product" for many reviewers.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.4*
Why it's great: Readers say this sunscreen-primer combo provides great protection and leaves skin feeling smooth. "This is one of those products you never knew you needed," exclaims one reviewer. "This slightly tinted, light-as-a-feather cream gives you broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB damage ... it makes an ideal skin primer for other makeup," as well. Other users love the matte finish and gentle formula, which prevent skin from looking shiny and breaking out.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.8*
Why it's great: Reviewers say this sunscreen is both gentle and effective. "I love the smell, texture, oil control and sunblock protection," one reader writes. "It's a wonderful product. It's pricey, but a little goes a long, long, long way." Those with sensitive skin in particular fawn over this product. More highlights? Tiny micro-sponges (for oil control), quick absorption and a weightless feel. Convinced yet?
Whether we like it or not, sunscreen is a must for all of us. And according to Heidi Waldorf, M.D., of Waldorf Dermatology & Laser Associates in Nanuet, NY, we need "an SPF of at least 15 daily." For prolonged sun exposure (anything more than the incidental exposure you might get from driving or working near a window), she recommends an SPF of 30 above with a water-resistant formula. She also suggests choosing a sunscreen containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone or mexoryl as its active ingredient.
The amount of sunscreen you apply is also vital. Waldorf recommends "a shot glass full of sunscreen" for the average adult and reapplying "every one to two hours while outdoors." We'll admit that doesn't sound like a fun way to spend your summer, but with these reader-approved products, maybe it won't seem like such a chore.
