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With summer coming soon, it's time to re-up on sunscreen. Do your research and look for products labeled with "broad spectrum" SPF, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays (both of which contribute to skin cancer, and the latter causes sunburn). And remember, SPF numbers refers specifically to the amount of timed protection it offers, but it's recommended to top off every two hours. Get your summer fix with the help of a "sunscreen jedi," "a handy spray protects you from sunburn AND sandburn," and a formula that "smells like a boozy beach cocktail" with ELLE's favorite sunscreens, here.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer 100
I'm very fair and burn easily, so as much as I'd love to lazily spray on some sunblock and forget about it, I have to use a lotion with a high SPF and reapply rigorously. I've been loyal to this one from Neutrogena, in part because 100+ sounds very effective, like an A plus, but also because it goes on easily, and absorbs super fast when you just want to get to the beach or jump in a pool without waiting for sunblock to just rub in already. — Leah Chernikoff, ELLE.com Editorial Director
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer 100; for more information visit Neutrogena.com/Sun
Avene and Pratima
I've been waxing lyrical about ayurvedic brand Pratima's lovely zinc-oxide-based Neem Rose SPF 30 for years: It's my go-to for daily protection, not only because it plays so supremely well with moisturizers and makeup, but also because it smells like (all-natural) floral heaven. When I need to amp it up, though, for all-too-rare beach days, LA driving, or that mid-summer moment when the angle of the sun pierces my office window and threatens to incinerate me like an ant under a magnifying glass, I slather on Avene Mineral Ultra-Light SPF 50 instead. It sinks in without leaving any residue or greasiness, and never quarrels with my extremely sensitive skin. — April Long, Executive Beauty Editor
Avene Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50, $28; aveneusa.com
Pratima Neem Rose SPF 30, $36; pratimaskincare.com
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Lotion SPF 50
Oh jeez, I used to think that I knew so much about sunscreen. I was SO irritating! I would blab on about tinasorb-this and oxybenzone-that. But then I started reading the gospel of cosmetic chemist/sunscreen jedi Stephen Alain Ko. I am a padawan with so much to learn! Now, on the beach or at the pool, I wear a long-sleeved SPF 50 Summer Bummer rash guard and Okiino swim leggings (they are amazing, please google them right now). On any bare skin, I apply Neutrogena Sheer Zinc SPF 50. To quote Ko, my sensei: "It contains 21.6 percent zinc oxide and has water-resistant film formers, the same found in water-resistant makeup, which are much harder to rinse off the natural waxes found in many other sunscreens." I love you Neutrogena Sheer Zinc, but not as much as I love Stephen Alain Ko. — Emily Dougherty, Beauty & Fitness Director
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Lotion SPF 50, $12; neutrogena.com
Bare Republic Clearscreen SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Gel
I'm usually fond of spray-on sunscreens over creams, but the latest in gel formulations is the best of both worlds. It's non-greasy and lightweight, but unlike a spritz, it doesn't make you question whether you're covered or not. Oh, and this one smells like a boozy beach cocktail. — Justine Carreon, ELLE.com Associate Market Editor
Bare Republic Clearscreen SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen Gel, $14; barerepublicnaturals.com
COOLA Sport Continuous Spray SPF 50
Don't you just love re-applying sunscreen at the beach, with all that sand scritching and scratching your skin wherever you rub? Nope. This handy spray protects you from sunburn AND sandburn, and adds cooling aloe and cucumber to the mix.— Estelle Tang, ELLE.com Culture Editor
COOLA Sport Continuous Spray SPF 50, $36; sephora.com
La Mer The Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This is crazy expensive for a sunscreen, granted, but this isn't just a sunscreen. I'm turned off by the sunscreen'y scent of daily product, but this doesn't have any of that giveaway smell. Plus, it also made my skin glow in the way that I'd be searching for from a serum or BB cream. — Leah Melby Clinton, ELLE.com Senior Editor of Branded Content
La Mer The Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $95; sephora.com
NO-AD Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
I've been using this stuff since I was a kid. I have fond memories of standing on a chair in the kitchen so my mom could help me "lather up" before a day at the beach. It's no-fuss, inexpensive, and, most importantly, it works. — Sally Holmes, ELLE.com Deputy Editor
NO-AD Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30, $8; walgreens.com
Sun Bum Original Spray Sunscreen SPF 70
I've made it my goal to keep my skin as protected as possible, so I've really enjoyed using an SPF 70 spray sunscreen. This one goes on easy, has a nice scent to it (seriously, friends have complimented me), and it hasn't irritated my sensitive skin. It also lasts a long time, which is perfect when you're aiming to apply daily. And if you don't want as much crazy SPF protection, it comes in SPF 15, SPF 30, and SPF 50 versions too! — Alyssa Bailey, ELLE.com Associate News Editor
Sun Bum Original Spray Sunscreen SPF 70, $16; trustthebum.com
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion SPF 70
This sunscreen wins for feeling and absorbing like a regular lotion. The last thing you want on the beach is a greasy mess. Because it's a noncomedogenic formula, it's safe to use on your face, too. — Kristina Rodulfo, ELLE.com Associate Editor
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion SPF 70, $10; target.com
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