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We slathered Dermatone Z-Cote all over a wide range of skin types while surfing in Costa Rica. It maintained sun protection on the brightest of days in water and on land and even protected scars from becoming pinkish or darker. We basically lived in Z-Cote and even the redhead made it out without blistering in the tropical sun.
Dermatone Z-Cote Sunscreen Waterproof Lotion, $5
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This “first” in skin care works to bind sunscreen to the skin during your daily cleansing process. Basically, skin works like a magnet to attract Ice Shield’s SPF 15 properties and hold them in their protective place long after rinsing. No residue is left behind and it actually is an excellent makeup removing cleanser on its own. But keep in mind, you will have to work the creamy lather over face for 1 or 2 minutes to get the full benefit, and I would also avoid using a toner.
Freeze 24/7 Ice Shield Face Facial Cleanser with Sunscreen SPF 15, $48
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While in Costa Rica, we found this Ultra Sheer Body Mist to be ideal for getting coverage in those hard to reach areas. It also doesn’t dry sticky and has a cooling effect during application.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock in SPF 30, $9.99
This mist leaves a mild baby powder scent along with an SPF 15 to allow light tanning during a bright sunny day. The misting pump sprays a bit forcefully, but we loved the softness (not stickiness) this oil-free sunscreen left behind. Although PTR Ultra-Lite claims to be waterproof, I still recommend reapplication after taking a dip in the ocean or pool. The mist comes in a purse-friendly version which is a great way to figure out if it is enough sun protection for you.
Peter Thomas Roth Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Sunscreen Mist SPF 15, $8
If you prefer to summon the beach blanket next to yours with a flirty "can you get my back please?" then you’re better off with a lotion. Since most sunbathers prefer oil-free for both their backs and their hands, Avance Suncures is an ultra emollient answer for all needs. Beach testing found skin was protected, fragrance-free and moisturized despite the oil-free formula.
Avance Suncures Oil-Free Sun Block SPF 30, $32
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Chances are you’ve heard about the highly acclaimed Anthelios SX Sunscreen that was just approved by the FDA. If not from your skin savvy friends, then I’m sure you will on your next trip to the dermatologist. We love the Daily Moisturizing Cream with Mexoryl SX (that’s the powerful stuff that defends skin from UVA aging rays) because it seems to keep protecting without needing multiple applications. It is gentle enough for our tender body parts and practically melts tracelessly into skin. This cream isn’t as waterproof as we would like (even the one for babies) but you should be reapplying any cream or lotion after activity or swimming anyway.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen with Mexoryl, SPF 15, $34
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June Jacobs’ products usually pop up while you’re getting pampered at a luxury spa, but her skin care can work in your daily routine too. We loved the Amour Day Shield because it’s loaded with antioxidants to protect from future damage, has silk protein to work as an ultra-lightweight moisturizer, and acts as a rockin’ makeup primer. Non-sticky and has a gentle fresh smell.
June Jacobs Skin Amour Day Shield SPF 20, $58
Luzerne La Defense is ideal for very sensitive, normal to dry skin. It even works to protect rashy skin or inflammations without stinging. With an SPF 30+ it’s a winner for the pale and dry face.
Luzerne La Defense SPF 30+, $38
We all agree Zia Ultimates Age Defying Solar Care is a super clean easy way to protect skin. The oil-free sun filter sports an SPF 30 that dries matte and allows makeup to glide on after application. Not a single pimple was reported after a week of use.
Zia Ultimates Age-Defying Solar Care Face SPF 30 Oil-Free, $16.95
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Relish delivers a matte, balmy type of lip and face coverage in a stick that’s ideal for tapping over blemish scars and discolorations for added protection. With an SPF15, you won’t want to “lay out” with Relish Lip & Face alone, so check out Relish’s Daily Advanced Moisturizer.

We took this super light, SPF 30 Moisturizer on the road in Miami and Israel and found the only places we got sun were the ones we missed during application.
Relish Lip & Face Protector SPF 15, $12.50
Relish Daily Advanced Moisturizer SPF 30, $23
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This little miracle cream actually increases firmness in skin by 32% (hello thighs!), deposits a healthy glow and protects with an SPF 15. It’s great if you just want some super looking gams on a night out in your favorite mini. We love, love, love Murad’s Firming Bronzer SPF 15.
Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15 for Face and Body, $48
This lightweight oil spray soaks immediately into skin and leaves a summery Malibu Barbie scent (really, remember the scented Malibu Barbie?) We preferred this product for a day outdoors, maybe shopping, but it wasn’t a hit for a sandy beach.
Bobbi Brown Beach Sunscreen Body Spray SPF 15, $25
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Olay helps curb the signs of aging by hydrating skin and preventing damage from the sun. A special glucosamine complex penetrates up to ten layers of manly epidermis to reach deep to improve its clarity and tone. The lightweight foam requires almost no rubbing and it dries fast without shine or residue.
Olay Definity Deep Penetrating Foaming Moisturizer SPF15, $26.99
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Philip Kingsley’s Swimcap is a conditioning cream that protects your tresses from sun, chlorine and salt damage. You apply pre-beach to achieve conditioned, shiny hair after a long day in surf and sand.
Philip Kingsley Swimcap, $36
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With shea butter, organic jojoba oil and organic aloe vera, Aubrey’s Maintenance Moisturizer chills out skin after sun exposure. More of a liquid than a lotion, and definitely containing alcohol, we were shocked at how it gently nursed back our bits and pieces neglected during a day at the beach.
Aubrey Organics After Sun Body & Face Moisturizer, $10.75
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