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Fortunately, there are plenty of glamorous sunscreens to choose from. And it doesn't matter if you summer in East Hampton or take the bus to the public pool, an expensive sunscreen can completely change your experience. They make me feel like Grace Kelly in the South of France, and I reapply just to show off the bottle -- and reapplying is always a good thing.
Their fanciness aside, these new sunscreens work incredibly well. They're packed with high-tech anti-aging ingredients, bonus antioxidants and the formulas are beautiful. Plus, because the ingredients are high end, you often get more SPF with a lower percentage of actives -- and that's huge for sunscreen haters.
And about those active ingredients … In each description I spell out whether the sunscreen is chemical (avobenzone, homosalate, oxybenzone, etc., which absorb UV rays and break them down), physical (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide -- minerals that create a barrier on your skin) or both.
Find the one that's right for you, and stock up. After all, nothing is less chic than a sunburn.
Image via Imaxtree
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Two-in-One
Active Ingredients: Chemical
Why It's Worth the Price: Shiseido sunscreens are notoriously fabulous, and this one is no exception. The mist is substantial so you get plenty of product with each spritz. And it has rose apple leaf extract to help protect your skin from oxidation (a major culprit in aging). I especially love that you can use it on your face and your body -- meaning there's more room in your tote for trashy beach reads.
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Brazilian Beauty
Active Ingredients: Physical
Why it's Worth the Price: This sunscreen is part of L'Occitane's au Bresil collection. It contains sun-protecting extracts from the blooms of Brazil's jenipapo tree, and the gorgeous packaging was designed by Brazilian artist Andrés Sandoval. It's lightweight, smells amazing, and sinks in super-fast for a physical sunscreen.
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Crow's Feet Fighter
Active Ingredients: Physical
Why It's Worth the Price: This little tube contains serious sunscreen that's formulated specifically for the eye area -- you can even use it on the lid. It has a slight tint and a primer-like texture that make it a great base for concealer.
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Classic with a Twist
Active Ingredients: Chemical
Why It's Worth the Price: Oil sunscreens are having a moment. For the first time, you can get the glistening-skin look with serious SPF. This one has the iconic Clarins scent (citrusy and beachy at the same time) leaves behind a pretty but non-greasy sheen and you can even use it on your hair to prevent dryness from sun, salt and chlorine.