Summer Beauty Special! A Head To Toe Guide to Suncare Products 

While summer color and beach-worthy hairstyles are top of the mind, it can be easy to forget about the most basic of warm-weather beauty musts: sun protection. To get you ready to play outside, we collected some of our favorite sun care products—for the face, body, lips, and more—of the moment. For good measure, we also threw in some dermatologist-recommended reminders and tips for effective application. Now get out there and cover up!   

Body

According to New York City–based cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, the best time to apply is right after showering or before leaving home, “so the product is able to fully absorb into your skin and provide protection from ultraviolet radiation.” Dr. Frank suggests going with a broad spectrum formula (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) and re-upping every 1–2 hours, especially when you’re outside all day. Slather on one of our picks—all broad spectrum and super absorbent—post-shower, and don’t forget to reapply! After a day spent al fresco, or if you do end up catching one too many rays, follow up with a soother formulated to cool and quench the skin. 

Coppertone Sunscreen Sensitive Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Naturally sourced zinc oxide makes this a good pick for sensitive types.

Glytone Suncare Spray Mist Broad Spectrum Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF 50
Swim- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40
Dries super fast, with no residue.

Supergoop! Antioxidant-Infused Sunscreen Mist With Vitamin C Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Light and quick to absorb, with a pleasant hint of citrus courtesy of essential oils. 

Korres Yoghurt After-Sun Cooling Gel
This light gel contains real yogurt and works on the face, too—for an extra cooling effect, store it in the fridge.

Yes to Cucumbers Natural After-Sun Serum with Shimmer
Aloe and green tea cool and soothe, while mica and adds subtle shimmer; great on legs and the décolletage.

Face

We're all in favor of double-duty moisturizers, foundations, and powders that contain UVA and UVB protection. But Dr. Frank advises adding extra sunblock over top, especially if the base layer has an SPF of 15 or less. “Make sure to apply a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 once the first product has been absorbed by the skin,” he says.

mark. For Goodness Face Antioxidant Skin Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Blueberries and dark chocolate inside lend a yummy scent, and a press-down dispenser makes application quick and easy.

Olay Total Effects 7 in One Moisturizer + Serum Duo with Sunscreen
Serum, moisturizer, and broad spectrum SPF 15 in one fell swoop.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer
As luxe as primers come, with an incredible silky, satin finish and SPF 15.

Coola Unscented Mineral Sunscreen
Packed with organic ingredients this has the ever-so-slightest tint of color to perfect the face, plus SPF 30.

Shiseido Urban Environment Tinted UV Protector SPF 43
A lightweight formula that blends in instantly, and elevates everyday protection with a higher-than-usual SPF boost.

Dr. Brandt BB Matte with Signature Shinerase SPF 30 Medium to Dark
Designed for oily skin, it controls shine and provides broad spectrum SPF 30.

Eau Thermale Avene Creme
This ultimate SPF 50–charged base has hint of color to even out tone, plus antioxidant vitamin E.

BareMinerals Mineral Veil Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Available in two shades, it gives the complexion a flawless, clean finish.

Susan Posnick Colorflo Mineral Foundation
The built-in brush construction is ideal for tossing in your weekender or beach tote; a bit of zinc oxide adds coverage under or over your regular protection.

Lips

Like all exposed skin, lips need protection from the sun’s harmful rays, and they tend to be extra prone to sun damage and blisters. Re-apply an SPF-infused product often, over or under your favorite lip color, or choose a color product with built-in defense.

Sonia Kashuk Satin Luxe Lip Color in Plum Wine
An ultra-pigmented lippie with SPF 15 built right in.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Petal
Perfect for everyday, it moisturizes and protects with SPF 15, and the pretty pink tint is sheer-but-buildable.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm
We couldn’t resist this cult favorite, translated into a SPF 20-infused balm._ _

Hair

While cancer isn’t necessarily a concern here, the scorching sun can damage locks with prolonged exposure, leaving hair parched, dry, and lifeless. Dr. Frank and other experts recommend a large hat—which also helps protect the face. If you’re going naked up top, spritz on a quenching leave-in product to help minimizing the frying effect. Both of these are super moisturizing and infused with UV filters.

Rene Furterer Paris Protective Summer Fluid
Pool sharks will appreciate this water-resistant formulation, which is also easy to reapply after a dip.

Kérastase Huile Celeste
A hint of shimmer helps bring dull locks back to life.

Extras

Now that everything else is good and covered, you can home in on the details with a sunscreen stick, UV-enhanced top coat, and indulgent eye cream designed for daywear.  

Coppertone Tattoo Guard Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Protect your body art—or just use it as a convenient, spill-proof way to re-cover noses and ears throughout the day.

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Eye Cream Sunscreen SPF 15
An SPF-infused lifting eye cream adds another layer of protection under your shades.

Zoya ARMOR Top Coat/UV block
Designed to keep your mani intact and fade-resistant, even under harsh rays.

See below under Featured Products for more information about everything in the guide. For more suncare reading, check out The Right Way to Apply Sunscreen.