Recently in Sun Protection Category

Philosophy is known the world over for their skincare with whimsical names, such as their Hope in a Jar moisturizer, When Hope is Not Enough serum, and The Great Mystery Daily Facial. You may have salivated over their so-good-you-could-eat-it food inspired 3-in-1 bath gels (Red Velvet Cake, anyone?), or doused yourself in the heavenly Amazing Grace fragrance. But did you know that Philosophy has amazing makeup too?


Philosophy's the supernatural line is just that: super healthy, mineral-based, your-skin-but-better makeup. Standouts include:

• Airbrushed Canvas- a high-pigment, talc-free foundation that conceals, camouflages and provides spf protection all in one easy step. best of all, it's safe for all skin types. Airbrushed Canvas looks natural and almost melts into skin, leaving you flawless with no tell tale makeup look or "shiny" appearance that other mineral powders can take on.
  

• Superbeautiful Hybrid Liquid- a healthy, good-for-skin makeup infused with natural, plant-based moisturizers, minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, and spf 20 to deliver sheer color, moisture and protection. Perfect for those who like the look and application of liquid makeup with the benefits of minerals. This one truly does double duty to keep skin flawless with or without makeup.
  

• Lit From Within Cream Blush - a superblendable, creamy, natural mineral blush that moisturizes, refreshes and adds sheer, healthy color to cheeks. This cream is easily applied with fingers or brush (we prefer our fingers!), and makes skin glow.
  

Summer may be quickly winding down, but that doesn't mean you need to put away your sunscreen along with your bikinis and flip flops. Relatively new to the beauty scene, the Ultra-light Weightless Finish SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray by Paula's Choice is definitely a must-have product to keep in the front row of your beauty drawer year-round. Just as the name suggests, it's super light, and not the least bit heavy. We loved how easy the clear liquid spritzed on, though we did have to rub it in a little to evenly distribute the sunscreen. Though it left our hands a little greasy from the application initially, it was absorbed almost instantaneously, and didn't leave behind any residue, film, oil, or any other sign that makes most of us dread our daily SPF application. 

Finding the right sunscreen can be incredibly overwhelming. There are so many options to choose from, and with something so important as your skin, you want to make sure you're making the best purchase. Sadly, many commercial sunscreens lack the adequate criteria for optimum protection. So, according to the EWG (Environmental Working Group), when shopping for sunscreen, keep in mind that the best sunscreens block both UVA and UVB rays with safe, active ingredients that do not break down in the sun. And:

1. Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
2. Avoid oxybenzone and sunscreens with fragrance
3. Avoid sunscreen sprays (we know...bummer!)

Here are five effective sunscreens to invest in this season, broken down by category:

Protection from the sun is vital, especially as temperatures start to soar. A few of the most feared words in a gal's life? SUN DAMAGE. So fair and frightened is one of our editors, she triples up with SPF in her primer, moisturizer, AND foundation! (We should note that layering SPFs does not increase the number or effectiveness, but try telling her that...)

You may not be as paranoid as she is, but it's important to protect yourself. No matter what your skin concern may be - aging, sensitive, acne-prone-- we've got you covered...literally.

Best anti-aging:
Kinerase Daily Defense Lotion SPF 30, $135

An antiaging lotion with SPF 30 protection. Kinerase Daily Defense Lotion SPF 30 defends the skin against the harsh rays of the sun with the added benefit of active ingredient kinetin, a powerful antioxidant scientifically proven to visibly diminish the appearance of fine lines wrinkles by enhancing skin's ability to maintain 25% more moisture.

Best organic:
Josie Maran Protect Daily Sun Protection Argan Oil Infused SPF 40+, $32

 A chemical-free, SPF40+ daily sun block for the face, neck, and décolleté. This natural formula physically blocks UVA rays that can cause up to 80% of premature aging.
Infused with Josie's signature ingredient, Argan Oil, which repairs and reverses damage caused by the sun, fights sign of aging, and improves skintone for a radiant, renewed complexion.

Best complexion boosting:
Boscia Illuminating UVA/UVB SPF 30, $30

A botanically based, oil-free sunscreen. Boscia Illuminating UVA/UVB SPF 30 provides natural sun protection using titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The rich, botanically based formula enhances and fortifies all skin types, leaving a healthy, beautiful glow.
 
Best for oily skin:
DDF Matte Finish Photo-Age Protection™ SPF 30 , $32

A lightweight, easily absorbed, non-oily formula to help protect against premature aging effects caused by everyday exposure to the sun and environmental pollutants. It protects from both the UVA rays that cause long-term damage and the UVB rays that cause burning.

Best for sensitive skin:
Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion - SPF 30 , $42

This user-friendly daytime essential provides extra-sheer protection against UVA/UVB rays as it soothes and hydrates skin. Rich in antioxidants to protect skin from free radical damage, this oil-free formula keeps your complexion safe and healthy.

Best for dry skin:
Clarins HydraQuench Cream SPF 15, $48

A moisturizing cream that combines a unique range of moisturizing agents that work in synergy to guarantee perfectly hydrated, comfortable skin. No matter the climate or conditions, you can count on this expert solution to keep your skin healthy and radiant.

Best overall:
Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40, $17.50

Invisible protection for all skin tones and types from everyday encounters with the sun's UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Comfortable, ultra-sheer formula uses physical sunscreens, so even sensitive skins can wear it daily. Helps makeup wear longer.

Best value:
Sephora Sun Safety Kit ($95 Value) $25

Try before you buy! Protect your complexion with this array of products and find your perfect match. Do something good for your skin and feel good knowing that 100 percent of the net profits from the sales of this set will be donated to The Skin Cancer Foundation.

This set contains:
- 0.14 oz Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15
- 0.23 oz DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew UV Moisturizer SPF 15
- 0.10 oz Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 in Lemon and Chamomile
- 0.25 oz Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Lotion SPF 30
- 0.16 oz Kate Somerville Protect SPF 55 Serum Sunscreen
- 0.27 oz Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse SPF 15
- 0.16 oz Cover FX BritePrep FX Brightening Foundation Primer & Photo-Aging Defense SPF 50
- 0.34 oz Bliss Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
- 0.23 oz Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 60 PA+++
- 0.25 oz Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Cream SPF 15
- 0.25 oz Smashbox Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF 15
- 0.02 oz Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Multi-tasking Face SPF 20 in Summer Bisque
- Pink Sephora makeup bag
- 2 x single-use UVSunSense UV monitoring bracelets

If you're one of the thousands upon thousands of people making the trek out to the California desert this weekend for Coachella, then please remember to protect your skin! This season is shaping up to be slightly cooler than most (like high 80s vs. high 100s), but you'll still need to make a conscious effort to stay protected.

Here are a couple SPF-infused ideas:



From left: Kiehl's Lip Balm SPF 15, $9.50 Nordstrom.com, Murad Age-Proof Suncare Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30, $30 Beauty.com, Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45, $30  Sephora, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, $42 Sephora.

You're probably well-aware, but tinted moisturizers can be your BFF, especially during the sunnier seasons. They're a great lightweight, everyday alternative to foundation. But most importantly, they're one of the most reliable way to protect your skin from UV Rays. Because let's face it (pun intended), applying both sun block and some sort of color daily can be a chore, and very easy to forget.

Protect your face with five of the most popular tinted moisturizers.





Stila Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15,  $34 Sephora

















Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer -- Oil Free, $42 Sephora













Josie Maran Tinted Moisturizer, $38 Sephora















*Cost-effective!* Boots No7 Soft and Sheer Tinted Moisturizer,  $11.99 Target










Sephora Collection Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer SPF20, $21 Sephora

Worried about what sunscreen to choose? Want to make sure it will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays? Last week we exposed the ugly truth behind suncreens and the manufacturing practices of brands' suncreens. It left us with disappointment, but we're determined to find the best sun protection for ourselves and those we love. The following is a list of products highly recommended based on the EWG research study, and we are loving too.

 

Best Sunscreen for Your Face: TruKid Sunny Days Sunscreen Facestick

Some sunscreens don't work so well on the face-- they're opaque and may leave an unattractive white film behind. This facetick from TruKid smells great and goes on sheer, but still protects from the sun. We don't recommend this for use under makeup-- this is strictly for those days when you need specific protection for your face by the pool or on the beach when you're wearing no makeup. $20.52 amazon.com

  

 

Best Lip Treatment with SPF: Jane Iredale LipDrink SPF 15

While most people are slathering their shoulders and noses, the lips are frequently forgotten. In fact, lower lips are highly susceptible to skin cancer since it is exposed the most. Let Jane Iredale's LipDrink moisturize dry lips and protect them at the same time. We love the fresh lemon scent that keeps our spirits up in the heat of the season. $11.60 beauty.com

 

 

Best Facial Moisturizer SPF: Marie Verionique Organics Creme De Soleil, SPF 30+

This mineral-based formula, made with zinc oxide, offers complete protection against UVA/UVB rays. Using jojoba, red raspberry seed, and sea buckthorn oils in a green tea base to provide additional natural sun protection and anti-aging support, Creme De Soliel is non-comedogenic and recommended for all skin types. $44.99, marieveronique.net

 

 

 

Best Everyday Sunscreen: UV Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+

We love this sunscreen for its simplistic, yet effective, blend of ingredients. Green tea, grapeseed oil and natural Vitamin E offer anti-oxidant benefits to strengthen skin to fight against free-radicals. Water-resistant. $37.99, amazon.com

 

 

 

Best Sunscreen for Your Kids: California Baby No Fragrance SPF 30+

Our kids love to go out and play, and that means loads of exposure to the sun. This sunscreen offers non-chemical, fragrance-free protection that is safe even for our littlest ones. We also love it because if we're running low on our own product, this sunscreen works great for us too. $18.09, drugstore.com

 

 

 

Best Water-Resistant Sunscreen: Fallene Cotz Water Resistant Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin, SPF 58

When it's time to hit the beach or cool off in the pool, a water-resistant sunscreen is important. They also work great for when you play outdoor sports and will be working up a sweat. Fallene Cotz has created a formula that will stand up in the water and is suitable for sensitive skin. Plus, it has the highest UVB protection out of all our product picks. $22.99, drugstore.com

 

 

 

Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Solar Sense Clear Zinc Sport Stick for Face, SPF 45

We have relied on drugstore sunscreens to protect us (and our kids) for years. When we discovered that practically none of them made the grade when it came to the EWG study, we were beyond disappointed. One of the two we found to be in the recommended range without oxybenzone was Solar Sense Sport Stick. Thankfully, it's safe and offers a high level of SPF to protect skin with a great price and convenience to boot. $3.82, drugstore.com

You slather on your SPF everyday thinking you're doing what Martha Stewart would classify as "A Good Thing"; you're protecting your skin, right? Wrong. You may think your sunscreen is doing its job, but the bad news is, it might not be working as hard as you think - and could even be bad for your skin.

According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG, ewg.org), 3 out of 5 name-brand sunscreens "either don't protect skin from sun damage or contain hazardous chemicals -- or both."

It turns out the FDA doesn't require UVA filters (to block the progression of skin cancer and aging) in sunscreens, and most manufacturers have never included them, or provided little protection from them, in their formulations. The alarming fact is most sunscreens only protect from UVB, or sunburn radiation, even though a growing number of studies show that UVA rays (which penetrate the skin more deeply) are more harmful.

Hazardous chemicals, such as oxybenzone, are also not recommended to protect skin from the sun as it has been known to lead to allergic reactions, cell damage, disruption of the hormone system, and allowing for other harmful chemicals to penetrate into the skin.

Based on this EWG study, here are three popular sunscreen you may reconsider using:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 30

While this sunscreen provides a high UVB protection factor, the UVA protection is on the moderate side. In addition, this formula contains Oxybezone as one of its main skin-protecting ingredients, thus making it a possible health hazard.

 

 

 

Coppertone ultraGuard Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30

The higher SPF is appealing, as is the water-resistant formulation. This too, however, has a low UVA protection factor, contains oxybenzone and fragrance ingredients that my cause skin irritation or sever allergic reactions.

 

 

 

Jason Naturals Cosmetics Sunbrellas: Complete Sunblock, SPF 26

Aside from its low SPF, this "natural" sunscreen contains oxybenzone and provides moderate protection from UVA and UVB radiation. On the positive side, it does contain zinc and titanium, two recommended ingredients for sun-protection.

 

 

 

EWG recommends the following three sunscreens based on their study:

 

 

Soleo Organics Sunscreen Organic Chemical-Free Sunscreen, SPF 30+

This water-restiant formula contains 22% zinc-oxide and highly protects from UVA and UVB rays. It moisturizes skin with grapeseed and sunflower oils, and is suitable for babies, children and adults alike. $24, futurenatural.com

 

 

Mexitan Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50

No need to worry when using this highly-rated sunscreen. Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly, you'll find 22.5% zinc-oxide and 6% titanium dioxide as its main ingredients. $19.95, mexitan.com

 

 

 

Badger Balm Sunscreen SPF 30

This sunscreen is highly recommended for providing a truly high UVA/UVB protection. You can enjoy it knowing that it also contains certified organic extra virgin olive and jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and wild African Shea butter. $15.99, amazon.com

 

 

 

 

See the entire list of sunscreens here.

 

By the end of the year, it will be easier to know which sunscreens give you the most protection; the FDA will be requiring an additional "star rating system" to be added to the normal SPF number on packaging. Ranking sunscreens from 1 to 4 stars, these ratings will be based on two tests that determine the effectiveness of a sunscreen's UVA protection. These tests are similar to the SPF test that is used to determine the effectiveness of UVB protection. 

source and source

Next: Find out our favorite sunscreens that made the grade

 

DuWop Revolotion Bronzing Body Moisturizer is what those of us who use self-tanner call a cult classic. From its silky and smooth finish, to its ability to give a streak-free finish (not to mention its improved non-transfer formula), getting that summer glow is beyond easy with this stuff. 

Bonus: Revolotion contains SPF 15 to go along with the kiss of bronzing pigment and subtle shimmer. $28, beauty.com