Provided by Total Beauty
We all know it: Sunscreen is a must. Fun? Nah. But with these reader-approved products, maybe it won't seem like such a chore. We need an SPF "of at least 15 daily," says Heidi Waldorf, M.D., of Waldorf Dermatology & Laser Associates in Nanuet, NY. Going to the beach? You need "a higher SPF (30 or above), and a water-resistant formula," she says -- preferably one containing titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone, or mexoryl.
Make sure you apply enough, too. The average adult needs "a shot glass full of sunscreen" reapplied every hour or two you're outdoors.
Print this article.
The Worst: No. 4: Eminence Sun Defense Minerals, $58
Avg. rating: 6
Why: This powder sunscreen caused one reader to "breakout with all these whiteheads everywhere." Others complain that it "is too orange" and "the brush bristles break off and shed" onto their faces.
manufacturer photo
The Worst: No. 3: Philosophy A Pigment Of Your Imagination SPF 18, $30
Avg. rating: 5.5
Why: Although this claims to fade sun spots, readers say "I didn't really notice any kind of difference in my skin." They also didn't like the "thick and sticky" formula and hue, which "turns my skin yellowish and made me look like I was sick," one reader says.
manufacturer photo
The Worst: No. 2: Banana Boat UltraMist Sport SPF 15 Continuous Clear Spray, $10
Avg. rating: 5.3
Why: The biggest complaint: the spray "does not go on evenly." One reader says, "A bunch of us used this while on vacation at the beach, and we all burned in splotches and streaks."
manufacturer photo
The Worst: No. 1: DDF DAILY MATTE SPF 15, $40
Avg. rating: 3.8
Why: Instead of the "flawless finish" the product claims, readers said it "seemed to clump." It also did "not help to control oil" and gave one reader an "ashy, sickly look." Others complained of increased breakouts.
manufacturer photo
The Best: No. 6: Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, $12
Avg. rating: 9.3
Why: This sunscreen has added protection against insects, without DEET. Readers say "it worked great at preventing bug bites" and they "could definitely see the difference between the protected and unprotected areas of skin." They say it's "one of the best all-around products on the market."
Buy It
manufacturer photo
The Best: No. 5: Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40, $16.50
Avg. rating: 9.3
Why: Readers say this is the "best sunscreen to use under makeup by far." "It works great alone or as a base under makeup" and it "stays put and protects no matter what I'm doing!" readers say. They also like "that it's oil-free and doesn't clog" pores. It also gives one reader "a healthy protective glow."
Buy It
manufacturer photo
The Best: No. 4: Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35, $37.60
Avg. rating: 9.5
Why: Even though this has a high SPF, readers say they "actually forget that I'm wearing [it]" since their "skin is just smooth and wonderful." "It fully protected my skin from sun and I never have breakouts!" one reader says. It also "lasts a super-duper long time" and "works well as a moisturizer before applying your makeup."
Buy It
manufacturer photo
The Best: No. 3: DDF Enhancing Sun Protection SPF 30, $32
Avg. rating: 9.8
Why: One reader sums it up: "Goes on easily, lasts all day, doesn't get shiny, evens skin tone … while letting your skin come through." Others say they like "that it does not [have] that sunscreen smell" and that the "bottle lasts a good six months."
Buy It
manufacturer photo
The Best: No. 2: Jan Marini Skin Research Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant, $48
Avg. rating: 9.8
Why: Readers love the "sponges" in the formula "that absorb oil." They also appreciate "the texture and performance" and that it works well for even "very sensitive skin" without causing breakouts. "If I could only have one product on a desert island this would be it!" one reader says.
" target="_blank">Buy It
manufacturer photo
The Best: No. 1: ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30, $85
Avg. rating: 9.9
Why: This sunscreen has titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and readers say "it is the best sweat-proof sunscreen" they've ever used. Also, since it can act as a primer and has a slight tint, "it has replaced my sunscreen, my primer and my tinted-moisturizer!" one reader says. "It gives me great sun protection, is not at all greasy and evens my skin tone as well."
Buy It
Wait! There are 19 more top-rated sunblocks here.
manufacturer photo
Rxdawg2005 02:37:49 PM Jul 27 2009
While the article is factual, avobenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide with a concentration of 5% or more are great, the fact is most adults don't use sunscreen.There is a fabulous new product out now for SUNBURN, called Sunburn911, and it stops sunburn pain cold and lasts for hours. Best of all it has skin nutients to help repair damaged skin. It is all new and nothing else like it. Sunscreens are best, but if you get burned, this stuff is the bomb !!
TxFlyt 10:35:26 PM Jul 17 2009
Here's a great sunscreen for us: Islamic Supremacist Group Holds First U.S. Conference http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,533525,00.html
TxFlyt 10:34:05 PM Jul 17 2009
Here's a great sunscreen for us:Islamic Supremacist Group Holds First U.S. Conferencehttp://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,533525,00.html
lnoft97 04:09:29 PM Jul 17 2009
Who is it there at AO Hell pulling these 'sunscreens' costing up to $80 out of his or her ass? I go to Walmart, look at the enormous display of well-known brands they set up in the toiletries section at the beginning of summer, and pick one. (This is for everday as I don't go to the beach.) If it doesn't work so well, I just don't go out in the sun in the heat of the day. There's an F'ing depression going on out here, what the hell kind of pampered princess is going to spend big money?
KRISTINEK79 11:13:30 AM Jul 17 2009
I GOT A GIFTCARD FOR BATH AND BODY WORKS SO I DECIDED TO BUY SOMETHING I NORMALLY WOULDNT BUY. AND I BOUGHT THE SUNBLOCK SPF45. AND IT IS THE BEST. NEVER GOT ONE OUNCE OF COLOR. THATS THE WAY I LIKE IT. AND I PUT IT ON MY 3 YEAR OLD AND HE WAS FINA ALL DAY. AND IT DIDNT IRRITATE HIS EYES.. IT COSTS $16.95 OR I THINK YOU CAN GET IT ON SALE FOR $10.00
Ombac7 09:56:50 PM Jul 16 2009
Bullfrog is the best by far! Much more affordable than the rest, and does not come off all day. I have fair skin and I have used Bullfrog on many occasions (all-day rugby tournaments, golf, snorkeling, running, etc) and never applied more than once in the morning. And I've never gotten burned, even when I've been out for multiple days in a row. Oh, and it's never greasy or oily, and it dries instantly!
Swmazul 06:28:57 PM Jul 16 2009
Neutrogena has great sunscreens. Lots of choices of SPFs
Phebius 02:57:28 AM Jul 16 2009
The Proactive Sheer Tint Moisture is great too. It only has a SPF of 15 and it's only for faces, but it's non-comedogenic and fragrance free. It can be used under makeup or alone. I like it for all reasons listed above, plus it keeps my skin from breaking out. It's not for outdoor sports or working outside, but for women who only want a small quantity of SPF and a little tint to their moisturizer, then I would recommend it even if it's sort of on the expensive side ($25.00 for 1.7 Fl. Oz.).I know there are better ones out there and cheaper. For all over or for kids I would recommend Water Babies, I think that's by Coppertone and you can get that in 70 SPF I believe for under $15.00 (not sure of size though).
Volzman5 10:05:57 PM Jun 15 2009
The very best sunscreen available is Aloe Up, an aloe based product made in the United States. The spf 30 is great for tanning without burning. I found Aloe Up is high quality and can be obtained through the Promotional Products industry and most top resorts.
Jsa3333 06:30:33 PM Jun 15 2009
For SAFE sunscreens - those without harmful chemicals, check www.cosmeticsdatabase.com.I use California Baby. Love it. Safe. No harsh chemicals. No fragrance.
