The 9 Best New Sunscreens for Every Need
There's really no excuse for not wearing the stuff.
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The weather is finally starting to be hospitable enough that we actually want to GO outside. Warmth! Flattering light! Tank tops! But the sun can be a double-edged sword, because obviously sun exposure increases your risk for skin cancer and skin damage. Despite this, study after study shows that women are not using sun protection. Why? The biggest knock against sunscreen is that it's generally not pleasant–it can be sticky, greasy, and smell weird. Luckily beauty companies have figured this out over the past few years and have made the stuff not only more palatable, but also formulated to work the way you need it to, whether you're the outdoorsy type or only get sun while walking from your car to the office. Here, the nine best new sunscreens for every situation, preference, or occasion.
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1Hellin Kay
Best Sunscreen for Skin Care Junkies
So-called "blurring lotions" are all the rage, and for good reason—these little miracle workers fill in and plump lines temporarily to make your face look smoother. Murad took this technology and wrapped it into a product that acts as a primer, a longer-term anti-aging product (thanks to mushroom peptides), and a sunscreen.
Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $65; sephora.com
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2Hellin Kay
Best Sunscreen for Natural Sticklers
Target has upped the ante on its natural beauty selection, and this brand is a standout. It's a mineral sunblock without any chemical propellants, all in a recyclable can.
Bare Republic Natural Mineral Sunscreen Sport SPF 30, $14.99; target.com
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3Hellin Kay
Best Sunscreen for City Dwellers
This classic "veil" formulation–meaning it has a light, watery texture–got an upgrade this season, going from SPF 40 to 50, and with new added botanical extracts to help beef up the antioxidant protection.
Clarins UV Plus SPF 50 Anti-Pollution Complex, $42; clarinsusa.com
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4Hellin Kay
Best Sunscreen for Hardcore Outdoor Enthusiasts Who Break Out
This popular formulation is now available in a facial version, which is loaded with antioxidants. Most importantly, it won't run into your eyes when you hit mile 5 during that July 10K you're running, and its formula won't make you break out later that night when you're home recovering.
Coppertone Sport Faces Lotion SPF 50, $8; walmart.com
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5Hellin Kay
Best Sunscreen for People Who Are Loyal to Their Sunscreen Brand
La Roche Posay's original Anthelios fluid is the stuff of legends now, with tons of loyal users. This fresh iteration features a big dose of antioxidants in a serum-like formula with SPF 50. The brand excels at making formulas that are lightweight and absorb well, and this one is no exception.
La Roche Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum with Sunscreen, $34; drugstore.com
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6Hellin Kay
Best Sunscreen for People Who Care About Aesthetics
Sunscreen is utilitarian, but it doesn't have to look that way. From the packaging to the scent to the formula, this whole product is just plain pretty. It also features mineral blockers instead of chemical blockers, and the now-ubiquitous antioxidants.
Tarte Tarteguard 30, $32; sephora.com
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7Hellin Kay
Best Sunscreen for Korean Beauty Enthusiasts
Korean beauty products are getting a lot of attention in America now, and sun protection is one of the most important steps in the now infamous multi-step Korean regimen. Skinfood is one of the more popular and accessible brands. This physical sunscreen goes on smoothly and doesn't leave a chalky residue.
Skinfood Gold Kiwi Sun Cream SPF 50, $19; sokoglam.com
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8Hellin Kay
Best Sunscreen That Doesn't Feel Like Sunscreen
There is nothing worse than hitting the beach with a layer of goopy, occlusive sunscreen. That's why I squeezed every last drop of this revelatory formula out of the bottle on a recent trip to Puerto Rico. It's clear, goes on without any residue, and provides a pleasant cooling sensation on contact.
L'Oreal Paris Advanced Suncare Invisible Protect Clear Cool Lotion SPF 50, $11; drugstore.com
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9Hellin Kay
Best Sunscreen for Swimmers/Sweaters
Shiseido has been a sunscreen innovator for a long time, and this new formula? It's actually engineered to work better when it gets wet.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+ Wet Force, $40; shiseido.com
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