Here at tFS, we wear sunscreen daily and take sun protection very seriously — and rightfully so. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that from 2003 to 2012, melanoma cases in the U.S. increased significantly year over year for women. Wearing sunscreen is imperative, especially now that spring is upon us. Not only does excess sun exposure contribute to skin’s aging, but it is the leading cause of skin cancer.
If you’re a sunscreen lover, you have a lot to celebrate this season. Beauty brands are stepping outside of the box and creating new and improved sunscreens that deliver better than ever. We were floored when we came across some of the innovations — we’re talking neon-colored sunscreen and protection that’s perfect for deep, dark skin tones. And for those of you who hate the mineral finish some SPFs provide, your prayers were answered, too.
So this season, while you’re out in your breezy dresses and colorful sandals, remember to apply sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection before heading out, wear those sunnies (and hats!) and reapply every hour for maximum protection. Here, the nine best sunscreens to consider purchasing before heading outdoors.
[ Next: 14 Best Mineral Sunscreens (That Won’t Turn Your Face White) ]
Best Sunscreens for Spring and Summer 2018
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COOLA
Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30, $26 at Sephora
We are all major fans of COOLA’s varying types of sunscreens and now we can have the same sun care benefits in our hair. The new scalp and hair mist protects from heat, UV rays and color fading. One thing is certain: we can’t wait for our hair to smell like the yummy COOLA coconut smell we all know and love.
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H2O+ Beauty
AquaDefense Protective Matcha Moisturizer SPF 40, $44 at H2O+ Beauty
Always a skin care innovator, H2O+ Beauty’s newest moisturizer pairs matcha green tea extract (known to prevent environmental pollutants) with rice bran extract (to soften and moisturize) with UV filters. It basically acts like a facial, but with major sun care benefits.
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Biossance
Squalane + Mineral SPF 45, $39 at Sephora
When you think of sunscreen, you don’t typically think of it as something that will serve as a primer, too. Well, that’s not the case with this nongreasy mineral sunscreen that protects skin from UVA/UVB and infrared rays while defending against environmental stressors. It’s lightweight and absorbs easily, leaving you with a luminous glow.
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Australian Gold
Botanical Sunscreen SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion, $12.99 at Walgreens
It sounds slightly too good to be true, but this tinted antioxidant-laced formula uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to provide non-chemical UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection without making you look too greasy or chalky. We love that it’s fragrance-free and designed specifically for sensitive skin.
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La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Sport SPF 60 Sunscreen, $29.99 at La Roche-Posay
Ever wish your sunscreen could withstand those sweltering music festivals? Seems like you can’t get through an entire day without having to reapply several times. Enter this heavy duty lotion designed to absorb sweat during the craziest outdoor activities.
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Bare Republic
Mineral SPF 50 Neon Sunscreen Stick, $8.99 at Bare Republic
If you’re looking to stand out in the sun for all the right reasons, this sunscreen stick is your go-to. Bare Republic’s neon sunscreen sticks (available in six bold colors) are the first-to-market colored sunscreen sticks that use 25 percent zinc oxide for healthy SPF 50 protection. Wear it on your face or all over for extra fun.
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Tatcha
Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++, $65 at Sephora
If you’re looking for a sunscreen with anti-aging benefits, look no further than Tatcha. The Japanese wild rose helps tighten the look of pores and smooths skin texture and loquat leaf extract offers a rich source of antioxidants to protect and calm skin. Enough said.
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Unsun
Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $29 at Unsun
It’s hard to invent a unique sunscreen, but that’s exactly what Unsun did with its tinted mineral sunscreen. It’s designed for darker shades that have trouble blending most sunscreens. It has naturally derived ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, coconut oil and five different fruit extracts, making this one of the best sunscreens we’ve tried in a long time.
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PCA Skin
Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45, $44 at PCA Skin
You can’t go wrong with any item in the PCA Skin line — everything truly delivers. And this quick-absorbing sunscreen offers smooth, unmatched coverage.
