Photo 5/12
The Deal Breaker: It Smells Like You'd Fail a Breathalyzer
Why You'll Love It:
Spray sunscreen is fast, easy, convenient and feels so much nicer on the skin than thick, greasy lotions. But truth be told -- most of it stinks. After coating myself in spray sunscreen in my bathroom last weekend, my entire apartment smelled like it had been fumigated. The answer -- non-aerosol sprays like this Supergoop! one that don't have that alcohol scent. This one is full of essential oils and smells natural and earthy.
Or Try:
L'Oreal Paris Sublime Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 50+, $10.99
The light vanilla scent of this product is almost good enough to apply when you're staying indoors.
Photo 6/12
The Deal Breaker: Reapplying Is a Pain in the Butt
Why You'll Love It:
Yes, reapplying when you just want to enjoy your nap on the beach is frustrating, but it has to be done (I'm turning into my grandmother every day). If I'm at a beach or pool you can usually find me in the water, meaning I have to apply sunscreen twice as often. Whereas most sport formulas require reapplying after 40 minutes of sweating or swimming, this Alba sunscreen gives you a full 80 minutes. It's not perfect, but it does make life easier (you can even pick it up on your nightly run to Whole Foods). And since it's packed with natural, nourishing ingredients like green tea, vitamin E and aloe vera, it feels more like moisturizing than reapplying sunscreen.
Or Try:
Avène High Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50, $34
I'm constantly concerned I'm going to run into someone I know while I'm out doing errands, so touch-ups are a must. This handy compact makes touching up both makeup and sunscreen a cinch. The formula is 100 percent mineral sunscreen and carries the Skin Cancer Foundation Active Seal of Recommendation. Unfortunately it only comes in Beige and Honey (Beige being the lighter of the two). Note to all the sunscreen brands out there -- darker skin and extra light skin need protection too. More shades, please.
Photo 7/12
The Deal Breaker: It Makes Your Face Look Downright Reflective
Why You'll Love It:
This superlightweight sunscreen doubles as a makeup primer; it blurs fins lines, evens out skin tone and makes pores do a disappearing act. Its water-resistant formula is made with natural minerals and no preservatives (read: it won't irritate your skin). But best of all: It doesn't leave your skin looking greasy or shiny.
Or Try:
CeraVe Sunscreen for Face SPF 30, $14.95
One of our editors is adamant that although she tries to wear face sunscreen daily, if the product leaves her skin shiny, greasy or filmy feeling, she won't use it. This lotion doesn't feel greasy and wears well under makeup. And unlike most drugstore moisturizers that carry a puny SPF 15, this one gives you a full 30. For only $15, you get ceramides, niacinimide and hyaluronic acid -- a pretty solid anti-aging powerhouse for such a low price.
Photo 8/12
The Deal Breaker: It Turns Your Face Into Breakout City
Why You'll Love It: If your skin is prone to breakouts, daily facial sunscreen usually doesn't help matters any. This fragrance- and paraben-free sunscreen is 100 percent mineral based, and designed specifically for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The gentle lotion sinks into skin quickly without leaving a sticky mess behind, and has a light, universal tint that helps even out your skin tone.
Or try: Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46, $24
Dermatologists recommend physical sunscreens like this Elta MD one for the soothing properties of zinc oxide and titantium dioxide. Avoid chemical suncreens, which will often lead to more irritation and breakouts. This sunscreen is oil-free and contains high-purity niacinamide to calm not only acne, but also rosacea and other types of discoloration.
Photo 9/12
The Deal Breaker: It Makes You Cry
Why You'll Love It:
Even if you're religious about slathering on facial sunscreen, you may still be forgetting an important area -- under your eyes. I often skip applying sunscreen here, because I know stinging eyes are sure to follow. Plus, I live in constant fear of developing milia from too-thick, pore-clogging eye creams. This SPF eye cream doesn't burn or irritate the eyes at all. Everything about the product is soothing -- from application with the product's cool metal tip to the self-satisfaction you get knowing you're not only protecting your eyes, but also delivering the look of a full night of sleep.
Or Try:
Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $39.50
This eye cream is very slightly tinted, allowing you to skip concealer on minimal makeup days and acts as a primer on days you do need concealer. One of our editors swears this cream even extends the longevity of her concealer and keeps it from creasing, all while providing sun-protecting benefits.
