The Best Sunscreens Ever

These are the best sunscreens I've found, regardless of price. THis list is actually comprised of 2 lists: my picks, and The Popular Vote, which is the result of a survey of over 1000 beauty-obsessed women. Has your favorite made the list?

The Beauty Insider's Picks
I’ve stuck to mostly facial sunscreens on my list, since sunscreens for the body are plentiful and easy to find in any price range. The key thing, of course, is to look for broad or full spectrum protection, and don’t trust the marketing: if it doesn’t say titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or Parsol 1789 on the active ingredient list, then it doesn’t shield you from UVB rays and should be avoided. (UVA rays protect against skin cancer; UVB rays protect against aging and the hyperpigmentation and wrinkles that accompany it.)

Tip: Sunscreen should be the first product you apply after cleansing and toning. Give it a few moments to sink in before continuing your skincare routine.

1. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA+++: A salesperson at Sephora told me that he’s tried every sunscreen on the market, and this is the best. I was pleased to see that his raves were justified. It’s non-oily, leaves a matte finish, smells gorgeous (but not strong), and dries quickly. A pleasure to use. $36

2. June Jacobs Spa Collection Oil-Free Sunscreen Mist SPF 15: This stuff is amazing. A mist of weightless, oil-free sunscreen hydrates and feels as refreshing as water. Skin-soothing ingredients blend with powerful sunscreens to make this a perfect, everyday, under-your-makeup pick. $32

3. Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock SPF 50: Ocean Potion has been a surfer’s staple for years, but it’s just now reaching cult status among more landlocked types. Antioxidants and a full-spectrum sunblock with Parsol 1789 shield skin from the most damaging rays. It’s affordable, water-resistant, oil-free, and smells like a creamsicle. $7

4. Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Face Protection SPF 30 Waterproof: This is not just oil-free, it’s oil-absorbing. The “microscopic sponge encapsulation” technology traps and soaks up oils and other unwanted skin destroyers. It’s not greasy or heavy, and it keeps skin matte yet hydrated all day long. The amazingly elegant formula glides on effortlessly with no stickiness, whiteness, or gumminess. A soft, light scent, a waterproof formula and broad spectrum sunscreen make this perfect for everyday use. $40

5. Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 30: This is skincare that happens to contain sunscreen. It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, and chock full of good-for-your-skin ingredients like ceramides, antioxidants, and gingko biloba. Put this on in the morning and you need nothing else. $37

6. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 45: What’s not to love about this sunscreen? It leaves skin matte and fresh all day long, has a light pleasant scent, and offers full spectrum protection. Plus, it blends in easily without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast. And it’s affordable, so you’ll never skimp. $10 (approx.)

7. La Roche Posay Anthelios W Gel SPF 40: I tried this on the recommendation of a prominent dermatologist and, at the time, it was only available in Europe and Canada. I ordered it from a Canadian pharmacy online, and it was worth every penny. It’s still only available on the internet in the United States. This product offers more advanced sun protection than any domestic product, because it’s made with a newer, more advanced sunscreen ingredient not yet approved by the FDA. The gel is sheer, non-greasy, and invisible on skin. (Stock up when you’re in Europe—it’s much less expensive overseas). $48

8. SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30: This product was recommended to me by a dermatologist, and, when I tried it, I immediately knew why. This is so gentle it won’t lead to breakouts or irritate the most sensitive skin. It’s light and never greasy, so skin stays matte and free of the dreaded white mask. $34

9. La Mer The SPF 18 Fluid: I don’t buy the gibberish about gemstones capturing light energy and transforming it, but I do know that this luxurious, pricey sunscreen is one of the most elegant on the market. It’s weightless and water-based, hydrating without ever being heavy or greasy, and has spheres that can help diffuse light and draw attention away from flaws. $65

10. Hawaiian Tropic Sunblock SPF 15 Plus: This coconut-scented cream is moisturizing, full of skin-saving antioxidants, and provides broad-spectrum protection. The best part? It’s the most affordable sunscreen on the list, so you can use it with abandon. $9 (approx.)

The Popular Vote
1. Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock, $10 (approx.)
2. Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25, $15.50
3. Banana Boat Ultra Sunblock Lotion SPF 30, $8 (approx.)
4. Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15 Fragrance-Free, $11 (approx.)
5. Coppertone Sport Sunblock Gel SPF 30, $10 (approx.)
6. Olay Complete UV Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 15, $7 (approx.)
7. Shiseido Sun Care Anessa Town Use Sunscreen SPF 30, $36
8. Aubrey Organics Sun Shade Ultra 15, $7.75
9. Avene Eau Thermale High Protection Sunscreen Milk, $17 (approx.)
10. Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus SPF 30, $10

Observations from a Mom's Life

The last few days have been challenging, beauty-wise. Yesterday I decided to take my 21 month old to playgroup and leave our 8 week old behind with the au pair. I am lucky. I have help. But even though I have an amazing French au pair and someone who cleans the house once a week, I can barely keep up with my two girls. Forget about making myself presentable. So we are almost out the door when I remember that I hadn't even washed my face yet that morning. I am standing in the kitchen with the makeup case that I happened to bring downstairs with me, so I glance in the microwave - the only reflective surface around - and proceed to do some damage control. I swipe some hand lotion from the pump by the kitchen sink and use it to tame the frizz from my hair. Then, using the microwave as a mirror, I apply a little concealer to the remains of a massive pimple that appeared last week (the first of its kind in a couple of years - I thought breakouts were behind me), a little powder, and some blush. All without the benefit of an actual mirror. In the car on the way to playgroup, I added some lipstick and a spritz of Flowerbomb, which can make me feel glamorous no matter what the circumstances. Yikes. Not an ideal way to start the day. So last night I resolved to get back on track, and I went on Oprah.com and printed out Dr. Oz's 14-day anti-aging program. I plan to start on Sunday, and I will write about my efforts here. In addition to the program, I intent to take a yoga class once a week, do some exercises with my babies when I can, and make an appointment with the dermatologist for a skin peel. (I had to cancel one when I found out I was pregnant, so it's a long time coming.)

I want to set a good example for my daughters, so I need to take care of myself. I want them to see me as happy, healthy, even a little glamorous, because I know that they will model themselves after me, whether they want to or not. That's why motherhood is the toughest job in the world. Everything, even taking care of yourself, becomes about your children.