summer of skin
By Chinea Rodriguez, a shopping writer for the Cut who covers fashion and beauty. She writes the Cut Shop column "Where Did You Get That?" Her work has also appeared in Byrdie, HuffPost, Brides, and Allure.
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Photo-Illustration: by The Cut; Photos: Retailers
We’ve covered sunscreens on every area of your face — including your lips. Now, we’re recommending what to slather onto your body. When it comes to body sunscreens, the criteria for what makes a great formula are completely different. For my face, I’m concerned about looking oily and I don’t want a white cast, but everywhere else, I welcome the shine and shimmer. However, I still don’t want the sunscreen to feel oily.
I usually skip scented sunscreens in my skin-care routine, but for a body SPF? I love a scent; even better if it complements my current fragrance. So while I’m spending more time in the sun, I’ve been testing out sunscreens to find the best formulas. I’ve also tapped Dr. Angela Lamb, M.D., to share some of her favorites and tips on getting the best sun protection.
SO, you’re looking for the best sunscreens for your body?
➼ Our top picks
➼ More tried-and-true favorites
➼ FAQs
➼ Our experts
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Our top picks
The Best Multitasker
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Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Size: 3.38 oz.
With a slightly glowy finish, lightweight feel, and minimal scent, I don’t mind using this on my face too. This one has a bonus of being water- and sweat-resistant, so it’s an easy sunscreen to wear every day.
The Best Oil Sunscreen
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Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Size: 4 oz.
As a fan of Saltair’s range of scents, I was happy when it expanded into SPF body oils — so now you can get all the benefits of a sunscreen without that sunscreen scent. The body oil leaves your skin feeling moisturized and gives a hint of shimmer.
The Best Shimmer Sunscreen
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Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Size: 2.9 oz.
If at some point in your life, you loved glitter body gel, you’ll love this sunscreen. The Shimmer Oil leaves you shining with flecks of gold thanks to its pearlescent finish. It’s lightweight and water-resistant, and it smells like the brand’s signature beachy scent.
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More tried-and-true favorites
The Best Whipped Sunscreen
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$23
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Size: 4 oz.
A Cut Shop favorite. This is probably one of the most fun sunscreens to put on. While you can use this on your face, the whipped formula makes it hard to gauge exactly how much you need, which is why it’s probably better to use it on the rest of your body. The formula is lightweight and moisturizing but can still feel a little oily if you don’t rub it in well enough.
$17 at Dermstore
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with code: CHEERS
The Best Gel Sunscreen
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Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Size: 5 fl oz.
This goes on like a gel but glows and moisturizes like an oil. It looks super shimmery, but it actually has a nice shine instead. It also smells really good. I love this for days when I want extra shine and a light scent.
The Best Everyday Sunscreen
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Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Size: 5.5 fl oz.
If you want to skip the shimmer, shine, and scent, this is your best option. I love this one because it absorbs quickly and moisturizes. You can also use it on your face, so you only have to pack one sunscreen.
The Best Spray-on Sunscreen Option
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$17
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Size: 5.5 fl oz.
Reapplying sunscreen doesn’t have to be a chore. This spray-on formula makes it so easy to keep up with the sunscreen rules. The mist goes on lightly and doesn’t leave you feeling greasy. It also doesn’t have an overwhelming scent.
The Best Mineral Sunscreen
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$15
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide | Size: 5 fl oz.
Blue Lizard makes some of the top-rated mineral sunscreens, including a spray-on version and a stick version for easy reapplication. It’s also one of Dr. Lamb’s favorite brands. This formula is water-resistant and ideal for sensitive skin.
The Best Cast-free Option
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Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Size: 3 fl oz.
“The sunscreen I like best is the one that you’ll use,” Dr. Lamb says. “If it makes people ashy and they don’t like how it feels on their skin, they won’t use it.” Sheer, no-white-cast sunscreens are the ethos behind Black Girl Sunscreen. Dr. Lamb also recommends the brand. This best seller goes on clear, and it can be used on your face and body.
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FAQs
What’s the best body SPF?
What’s the best body SPF?
“The best sunscreen is the one that you’ll wear and can tolerate,” Dr. Angela Lamb, M.D., tells the Cut. She notes that for sunscreens to be effective, you need to apply them correctly. While mineral sunscreens that create a physical sunblock work instantly, “chemical sunscreens need to be applied 15 to 20 minutes before going outside.”
Don’t forget to reapply every two hours!
How much sunscreen do I need?
How much sunscreen do I need?
With sunscreen application for your face, the general rule is about two fingers’ length for the appropriate amount of coverage. Obviously, for your body, you’re going to need more. When applying sunscreen to your whole body, you’ll need an ounce or about a shot glass’s worth of sunscreen, Dr Lamb notes.
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Our experts
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