THE SUNSCREEN EDITION
Our top SPFs plus chic Target summer steals, the only potato salad you need and more
Dear friends,
In the spirit of summer’s impending arrival, we’re mixing it up this week with our first-ever annual sunscreen awards. These are our enduring sun protection products for face, body and the whole family — including some fantastic reader picks! As always, apply liberally and often.
Cheers,
Kate & Elizabeth
And the winners are . . .
Best Face: On the Go
Mychelle Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 Tinted checks all the boxes for travel or touch-ups. Portable, waterproof, sweatproof and reef safe with a tint that’s just enough to disappear into skin. At only $15, there’s always one in Elizabeth’s beach bag, fanny pack and ski jacket pocket.
{Tie} Best Face: Everyday
Kosas DreamBeam Mineral SPF 40 leaves the most beautiful, fresh-faced finish and imparts just enough coverage that you might skip makeup altogether—or use it as flawless primer. Skin boosting ceramides and peptides make it an exceptional multitasker.
{Tie} Best Face: Everyday
Like Kosas DreamBeam, Revision Skincare Intellishade Original Tinted Moisturizer SPF 45 is a moisture-rich gift to your complexion. It evens out Kate’s redness and softens fine lines with a luxe feel and finish. Price point is on the high side, but you don’t need anything else.
Best Face: Active
Kinship Self Reflect Sport SPF 60 offers a healthy dose of hydration, Vitamin C and subtle illumination while providing serious sweat- and waterproof coverage with 24% non-nano Zinc oxide for those who value physical blocks.
Best Body: Active
Taking it back old-school for Banana Boat Sport Ultra 50+ Spray. It’s long-lasting, lightweight and super easy to apply, especially when you’re hoofing around a golf course or dipping in and out of the pool. We’ve tried a lot but keep coming back to this ol’ standby.
Best Body: Travel
Until we find a mineral sunscreen for body that doesn’t feel tacky or leave a casper-white veil on our limbs, Coola Organic Sunscreen Spray is the next-best thing. We suggest stocking up on the kit which includes TSA-approved SPF 30 and 50s.
Best Kids: All Around
Not everyone will agree, but we’re not too picky when it comes to formulas for kids. The most important thing is that they just wear it. Kate has loved Sun Bum SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen Lotion and Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 for her boys, but even better is sending them off with sticks that they can easily reapply on their own, like Neutrogena’s Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick SPF 60.
*Reader Picks*
Jenny R. says “hands down” EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Tinted Face Sunscreen Moisturizer (we’ve heard this, too).
Dusty K. reaches for the “super clean and gorgeous” RMS SuperNatural Radiance Serum SPF 30 for face, and Suntegrity Mineral SPF 30 for body.
Mia V. is a Supergoop girl but recently discovered Sun Bum Daily Face Gel 50 and loves the finish of it (this sounds promising!). Meanwhile, Stephanie N. traded in her Supergoop for the Trader Joe’s dupe (only $8.99!).
Several readers swear by La Roche Posay, especially Kim C., whose derm insists she uses a mineral-based sunscreen for her sensitive and fair skin. Shannon M. seconded this reco, along with Caudalie’s mineral-based formulas.
Gina C. slathers Kose Suncut Essence SPF 50 on both face and body before sporting pursuits for its long-lasting sweat-proof and fragrance-free coverage. For everyday, she opts for an intriguing Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel 50.
P.S.
Serving all of the Lambrusco spritzes on this enamelware tray—in an LFQ colorway no less. While you’re at it, the brilliant Target x Prince collab is on clearance! The potato salad to end all potato salads. Some of the most fun we’ve ever had. That a yogurt made this newsletter is all you need to know. Where have these been all of our lives. Children of the 80s, you’re welcome. While we wait, appreciating the sly hilarity of the late, great Norm Macdonald.
Got a pressing question you’d like us to tackle or a product you think our readers would love? Drop us a line at lesfemmesq@gmail.com.