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When it comes to summer essentials, they don't get much more so than sunscreen. You've likely heard the list of benefits but they're that important, we'll repeat some of them again. Using SPF daily, even when it's cloudy, helps protect your skin from harmful sun rays that can lead to skin cancer. No one likes to get burnt, either. It hurts.
Visions of that cheap, impossible-to-rub-in sunscreen may lead you to think otherwise, but buying into SPF is about looking good, too. This powerful stuff can prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots caused by sun damage and help maintain an even skin tone.
Ok, that's enough convincing. Now that you're on board, it's about picking the right product for you, whether in the form of sunscreen sticks or SPF for your lips. Below, we've picked out some of the best SPF products around right now, to add to your summer tote lineup.
Protect yourself with some of the best sunscreen options around.
Shisedo Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Shaped like a mini deodorant, Shiseido’s sunscreen stick is designed to be swiped liberally across your face and neck. It’s clear, waterproof formula plays well with makeup and is designated “ocean safe,” so you can take “personally destroying the coral reefs” off your anxiety doom-list.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+
Surprisingly, this cult Japanese sunscreen is from the same company that made those cursed acne products from your tween years but don’t let that deter you. True to its name, the Watery Essence is one of the few sunscreens out there that is so light, you forget you’re wearing it.
Sachajuan Hair In The Sun
Made from an edible-sounding array of ingredients, including coconut oil, sea algae, and cinnamon, this serum will protect your hair from UV rays while also acting as a lightweight styling gel. Use it on damp hair straight out of the shower, and the protection will last until you shampoo it out — much more lowkey than reapplying every two hours.
Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen In "Medium/Dark"
While sunscreen is perennially associated with nagging moms at the beach, in the case of Frank Ocean and his eternally youthful complexion, things clearly turned out for the best. Founded by his mom, Katonya Breaux, Unsun is a mineral sunscreen specifically designed for darker skin tones — no white casts here. It’s also been described as “dewy,” which, if you’ve ever used a mineral sunscreen before, is not the first adjective that comes to mind.
Aesop Protective Lip Balm
Not only is the skin on your lips really thin, sun exposure actually breaks down collagen, aka what makes your lips plump. So keeping them protected is essential. This vegan lip balm (read, no beeswax) is formulated with castor seed, Aesop’s signature scent.
Chanel UV Essentiel
Forgoing drugstore SPF for one encased in a Chanel logo is so extra that the sheer act of applying it will feel hedonistic. Add in antioxidants that are designed to improve your skin with each use, this sunscreen is more than worth its price tag.
Dr. Barbara Sun Drops
You know a skincare brand isn’t playing when there’s an actual medical doctor behind it. Dropped into moisturizer or used alone, these Sun Drops are packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and green tea leaf extract to actually counter the effects of the sun while simultaneously preventing future damage.
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