Best Sunscreens : Summer 2016
*This post has affiliate links but all opinions are my own.
Since we are well into June I thought it would be a good idea to give a roundup of my top 6 Sunscreens! I read that 1 in 5 people don’t like to use them based on how they feel and smell (most people like unscented apparently). Hopefully this list will change some minds! The following list has either worked well for me or they are ones that I have heard good things about and want to try! It’s always a great idea to read reviews with any product so I will be including some of the pros and cons based on reviews I read while selecting the sunscreens. Obviously take everything with a grain of salt because everyone is different and one person’s opinion or experience may not be the same for you. Let’s look at a few options to use on your face and then a few spray sunscreens for full body.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry -Touch Sunscreen, SPF 70
Review Pros: Effective, not greasy, rubs in well
Review Cons: Unpleasant smell (like leather), can leave stains on things you come in contact with (car interior, clothes, etc), expensive
*This is one sunscreen I always have on hand and it works really well for me. Very effective at preventing sunburn and never had any breakouts due to the product. I personally don’t notice the smell being unpleasant. For me this is a staple in my beach bag.
Aveeno Active Naturals Protect+Hydrate SPF 30 Lotion
Review Pros: Smells nice, light and not greasy, stays on for a long time
Review Con: Expensive
*Aveeno is such a reputable brand and I would definitely consider trying this sunscreen. There were hundreds of great reviews on this product. Very little negative feedback about it. The only bad was people wearing it on the beach and getting sunburned. I would only say watch out with 30 SPF depending on where you are using it. The beach is like a 70+ kind of sunscreen in my opinion.
Dermalogica oil free matte SPF 30
Review Pros: Great for acne prone skin (controls the oil), subtle fragrance,
Review Cons: Packaging is not good (hard to squeeze out), some said it caused itchiness
*Dermalogica is a really great skincare brand but I have never used this product. I don’t have oily skin and typically like using a moisturizer/sunscreen during the day that gives me a little bit of dewy look. However I wanted to include this one for those who might be interested since it is a popular product.
Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Matte Cucumber
Reviews Pros: natural tint, feels smooth and soft, great coverage
Reviews Cons: a bit powdery finish for some skin types
*This sunscreen is seriously one of my favorites. If you have never tried it make it a priority. I got it in one of my sample boxes and was immediately blown away the first time I used it. It is so smooth it melts into your skin and is perfect for layering. I love the tint that is has and somewhat reminds me of a matte BB Cream. If you aren’t a fan of scents this also comes in unscented.
Banana Boat Sunscreen SunComfort Ultra Mist SPF30
Reviews Pros: Sprays evenly, cooling mist, dries quickly, nice scent
Reviews Cons: difficult to aim
*This sunscreen is top rated by consumer reports. I’ve used Banana Boat but not this one specifically but I am very interested to try it. Every review was extremely pleased with the results and their experience. It sounds like most everyone loved that it dried fast and didn’t feel sticky.
Neutrogena Beach Defense + Sun Barrier Sunscreen Spray SPF 70
Review Pros: Great scent, lasts long, no sticky feeling
Review Cons: some allergic reactions
*I have this sunscreen and it has always worked wonderfully. People sitting next to me while applying it asked me what kind it was because they said it smelled so good. It doesn’t feel chalky or sticky. It’s important to have a 70+ for times you are in full sun for long periods of time.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray SPF 50+
Reviews Pros: goes on good, lightweight, blends easily
Reviews Cons: Expensive
*I love this brand and use a lot their skincare products but have never used this sunscreen. The bonus with this sunscreen is it goes on clear and so you don’t have to keep blending. I also read the fragrance is subtle but nice. If you need sunscreen on your scalp someone said this does not make your hair greasy.
