Top Picks for Sun Protection: Our Favorite Sunscreens, Bronzers, and Self Tanners
As the sun grows bolder and days become longer, it’s time to rethink and refresh our approach to sun protection and summer skin care. Whether you're hitting the beach, exploring city streets, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential. But sun care doesn't stop at protection; it’s also about achieving that perfect summer glow safely. Here’s our roundup of the top picks for sunscreens, bronzers, and self-tanners that will keep your skin sun-safe and looking sun-kissed all summer long.
Sunscreens: Your First Line of Defense
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100
Description: This broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen is known for its lightweight formula that melts into the skin without leaving a white cast.
Why We Love It: It's excellent for sensitive skin and offers very high protection, making it perfect for long days spent outdoors.
2. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 40
Description: Designed especially for sensitive and acne-prone skin, this sunscreen not only protects against the sun but also helps soothe and calm the dermis.
Why We Love It: It contains niacinamide, which is great for reducing redness and improving skin tone.
3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70
Description: Known for its powerful sun protection and ultra-lightweight feel, this sunscreen leaves a matte finish and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Why We Love It: It’s perfect for beach days or sports activities, thanks to its dry-touch technology that helps keep skin non-greasy.
Bronzers: Safe Sunkissed Glow
4. Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer
Description: This cult favorite delivers a tropical sun-kissed glow while nourishing skin with a blend of murumuru butter, cupuaçu butter, and tucuma butter.
Why We Love It: It’s incredibly blendable and comes in various shades to match different skin tones, providing a natural-looking warmth.
5. Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer
Description: A matte bronzer that’s perfect for achieving a natural bronzed look, it’s ideal for contouring and can be used to define features subtly.
Why We Love It: Its matte finish makes it versatile for both a full makeup look and a quick touch-up on minimal makeup days.
6. NARS Bronzing Powder in Laguna
Description: This bronzer offers a blend of warm brown with golden shimmer that can complement a variety of skin tones.
Why We Love It: The golden shimmer subtly reflects light, giving you a radiant but natural glow.
Self-Tanners: Bronze Without the Rays
7. St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse
Description: This easy-to-apply mousse delivers a streak-free, golden tan that lasts for days and fades evenly.
Why We Love It: It’s quick-drying and lightweight, making it easy to maintain a perfect tan without any orange undertones.
8. KORA Organics Gradual Self-Tanning Lotion
Description: This moisturizer gradually builds a light tan while also hydrating the skin.
Why We Love It: It's an excellent option for those who prefer a subtle tan, or for extending the life of a natural tan.
9. Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel
Description: A non-oily, quick-drying gel that creates a golden glow in just a few hours.
Why We Love It: It’s perfect for last-minute events where you need a quick boost of color.
Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a glowing, bronzed complexion. With the right products, you can enjoy the sun safely and look great doing it. Our top picks for sunscreens, bronzers, and self-tanners offer options for every skin type and lifestyle, ensuring you can find the perfect products to enhance and protect your skin this summer. Remember, the best tan is always a safe tan!