7 Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin All Summer Long and Beyond

Photo Credit: glossier — Photo Credit: **glossier**

The most anticipated time of year is finally here. For months you’ve been dreaming of days spent by the beach or laid out by the pool, shimmying into your favorite high-waisted shorts, picking out pretty new one-pieces to be totally on trend for summer 2017 and finding a new pair of sandals that won’t rub in all the wrong places. While you’ve prepped like many girls typically do—sticking to the most obvious basics—do you realize you’re forgetting something? Just as important as your summer wardrobe prep is your skin care summer prep. While you should be wearing sunscreen daily (yes, really), it becomes especially important in summer when the sun’s harmful UV rays are stronger than ever, not to mention they’re beating down for even longer throughout the day compared to other times of the year. Didn’t know they were so harmful? No worries girl, we’ve got you covered with a little skin care 101. Check it out in the next paragraph.

You’ve heard of UV rays, right? Well those ultraviolet rays are what shine down from the sun (and from tanning bed lamps) and can wreak serious havoc on your skin. You’re probably thinking of sunburns right about now, but did you know that it goes beyond that? Not only does repeated exposure lead to a painful red complexion, but it also increases your risk of developing skin cancer and leads to premature aging (think: fine lines, wrinkles and sun spots). Since we know none of those things are on your to-do list, it’s time to get schooled in sunscreen. Ahead we share seven of our favorite formulas to protect your skin all summer long. Take your pick ladies!

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

$34, drunkelephant.com

This sheer physical sunscreen (meaning its protection kicks in immediately upon application whereas regular sunscreens take 15 minutes—just read the label if you’re ever unsure) is loaded with potent antioxidants like astaxanthin, grape juice extract and sunflower shoot extract to help defend from free radicals and environmental aggressors to not only protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays, but other factors that play a role in premature aging, too. What’s more, it’s infused with raspberry seed and marula oils to deliver essential moisture and helps minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving your skin looking healthy and youthful.

White Girl Sunscreen Pouch

$15, whitegirlsunscreen.com

When founders Rachel Justis and Solongo Erdenekhuyag came together from different backgrounds, they knew they wanted to bring suncare to babes of all backgrounds too. With the idea that no matter your skin tone, sunscreen is an absolute must, White Girl Sunscreen is partnered with the Melanoma Research Foundation and for every pouch sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated to the organization's ongoing projects. SPF 30 for more than one good cause? Now that’s a brand to support.

Kypris Pot of Shade: Heliotropic

$68, kyprisbeauty.com

Not all sunscreen is a full body affair. Case in point: this multifunctional, translucent veil of non-nano, broad spectrum SPF 30. Formulated to moisture and prime skin for daily radiance while protecting it against the sun’s harmful UV rays, this little miracle in a jar is an all-around win.

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield

$65, murad.com

If applying your moisturizer, serum and sunscreen all before applying any makeup seems like a bit much, reach for this invisible skin-perfecting shield to join priming and protecting into one simple step. Simply swipe this SPF 30 from forehead to chin before applying makeup or wear it on its own for a flawless no-makeup finish.

Eve Lom Daily Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

$90, sephora.com

Speaking of multi-tasking SPF’s, this creamy SPF 50 sunscreen protects against UV rays, free radicals and pollutants, while delivering skin with superior softness, antioxidants and weightless hydration, too.

Supergoop! Skin Soothing Mineral Sunscreen with Olive Polyphenols SPF 40

$28, supergoop.com

Another physical sunscreen, this particular formula is perfect for sensitive skin due to the way it helps calm inflammation and safeguards against photoaging. Use it yourself or store it in your bag for the kids your babysitting, either way it’s a quality product to have on hand all summer long.

PS- Supergoop! reigns supreme in all things suncare, so be sure to check out their Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream SPF 37, Defense Refresh Setting Mist SPF 50 and Fusion Lip Balm with SPF 30+ for a full defense against the summer sun.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Original Sunscreen Lotion

$10, trustthebum.com

The chosen lotion among surfers and beach babes worldwide, Sun Bum neutralizes free radicals with Vitamin E while protecting skin from the sun—meaning you can hang ten without a care in the world.

Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen +

$34, glossier.com

Possibly (no, definitely) the beauty world’s most anticipated launch has finally hit shelves and it’s as good (no, even better) than you expected. Unlike traditional sunscreens, Glossier’s watergel formula glides on like a serum for residue-free protection that also prevents against pollutants from getting inside your skin. Yup, it’s amazing.

There you have it! With an even layer of SPF 30 or higher that’s reapplied every few hours, your skin will be protected from the sun’s harmful rays while you enjoy the season you’ve been so looking forward to, so don’t forget to lather up!

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