Summer is in full swing and I’ve finally got a handle on the sunscreen situation. As a rule of thumb, I prefer mineral sunblocks—those containing zinc and/or titanium dioxide—which have the best safety profile. I avoid synthetic sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, which the EWG reports can disrupt the body’s natural hormones, not to mention irritate sensitive skin. After slathering and dabbing dozens of defenders, I find myself reaching for these six on a regular basis:
BEST BODY: Soleil Organic Mineral Sunblock for Body SPF 45 ($45)
It’s even hard for me to comprehend spending double digits on a sun protector, but this feels so velvety, so luxe and so good for my skin I’m chalking it up to vaca purchase. You know, that kind that doesn’t count.
Ever since an esthetician applied this silky, lemony, petroleum-free balm to my lips at the end of a facial I’ve been dreaming about getting an entire tube for myself. And I need another tube or pot or tin of lip balm like a hole in the head so that’s saying something.
I’ve search forever for a water- and sweat-resistant sunblock for my face that doesn’t feel like a water- and sweat-resistant sunblock—and doesn’t make my eyes and skin burn when I start sweating. This is so lightweight and elegant, I practically ration it out.
When someone asks for a facial sunscreen recommendation, nine times out of ten this is what I say. Perfectly tinted and not the least bit life-guard pasty, it’s the only thing I wear on hot days.
For those of you with oily skin or who can’t comprehend layering on multiple products in the morning, this mattifying, skin-perfecting and protecting primer is the ultimate multi-tasker. It’s also my favorite of the BB creams.
Filed Under: Badger Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion SPF 16, Boscia BB Cream SPF 27, Coola Mineral Face Tinted Rose Essence SPF 20, Jane Iredale LipDrink SPF 15, mineral sunblock, natural sunblock, organic sunscreen, Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SFP 50, Soleil Organic Mineral Sunblock for Body SPF 45
Hello lovelies! I'm Elizabeth Dehn, a beauty writer + lifestyle editor who's equally fanatical about lip gloss as juice cleansing. I live in Minneapolis with Mr. Bets and our white lab, Molly Thomas . . . 
My kids flatly refuse to wear the Badger because of the smell, which reminds me of Tootsie Rolls, so I don’t know what their problem is (story of my life…) Instead, we rely on Vanicream, which is available behind the counter at Target.
I really wanted to try the Badger moisturizer, but at $18 for 2 oz., the price is way too high. I would use that amount in about two days. My search still goes on.
I like SuperGoop which I get a Sephora.
I do like the Skinceuticals Physical Fusion sunscreen, it is so lightweight, and doesn’t clog up my skin. The Coola sunscreen sounds nice too. I’ve heard that Jane Iredale has a new product called “Glow Time” that is a BB cream with SPF. It sounds good, has anyone tried it?
After trying several face sunscreens I found the Coola tinted in 30spf works best for my normal to dry skin. Just as you mentioned it goes on smooth and it doesn’t take much so it lasts longer. Appreciate your product reviews of natural products.
@Susan – so glad you found one that works for you. The coola is beautiful!
People are obsessed with the Physical Fusion, we sell that at the clinic like crazy!! It is by far the best daily tinted SPF out there!!! No chemicals, light, tinted, and best of all meets the new FDA regulations!!
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DeVita Solar Body block is made of puppies and rainbows. The also have a face version that costs 4 times as much for the amount you get, but the body stuff works great under makeup and it smells like almonds, not sunscreen.
[...] that beauty bloggers know everything. Our pal Beauty Bets raved about Coola Mineral Face Tinted Rose Essence SPF 20 and I picked up a tube right away. And [...]
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