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The Deal Breaker: It Makes Your Face Look Downright Reflective
Why You'll Love It:
This superlightweight sunscreen doubles as a makeup primer; it blurs fins lines, evens out skin tone and makes pores do a disappearing act. Its water-resistant formula is made with natural minerals and no preservatives (read: it won't irritate your skin). But best of all: It doesn't leave your skin looking greasy or shiny.
Or Try:
CeraVe Sunscreen for Face SPF 30, $14.95
One of our editors is adamant that although she tries to wear face sunscreen daily, if the product leaves her skin shiny, greasy or filmy feeling, she won't use it. This lotion doesn't feel greasy and wears well under makeup. And unlike most drugstore moisturizers that carry a puny SPF 15, this one gives you a full 30. For only $15, you get ceramides, niacinimide and hyaluronic acid -- a pretty solid anti-aging powerhouse for such a low price.
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The Deal Breaker: It Turns Your Face Into Breakout City
Why You'll Love It: If your skin is prone to breakouts, daily facial sunscreen usually doesn't help matters any. This fragrance- and paraben-free sunscreen is 100 percent mineral based, and designed specifically for sensitive and acne-prone skin. The gentle lotion sinks into skin quickly without leaving a sticky mess behind, and has a light, universal tint that helps even out your skin tone.
Or try: Elta MD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46, $24
Dermatologists recommend physical sunscreens like this Elta MD one for the soothing properties of zinc oxide and titantium dioxide. Avoid chemical suncreens, which will often lead to more irritation and breakouts. This sunscreen is oil-free and contains high-purity niacinamide to calm not only acne, but also rosacea and other types of discoloration.
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The Deal Breaker: It Makes You Cry
Why You'll Love It:
Even if you're religious about slathering on facial sunscreen, you may still be forgetting an important area -- under your eyes. I often skip applying sunscreen here, because I know stinging eyes are sure to follow. Plus, I live in constant fear of developing milia from too-thick, pore-clogging eye creams. This SPF eye cream doesn't burn or irritate the eyes at all. Everything about the product is soothing -- from application with the product's cool metal tip to the self-satisfaction you get knowing you're not only protecting your eyes, but also delivering the look of a full night of sleep.
Or Try:
Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $39.50
This eye cream is very slightly tinted, allowing you to skip concealer on minimal makeup days and acts as a primer on days you do need concealer. One of our editors swears this cream even extends the longevity of her concealer and keeps it from creasing, all while providing sun-protecting benefits.
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The Deal Breaker: Your Sunscreen Doesn't Work As Hard As You Do
Why You'll Love It:
In the words of our beauty editor, this stuff does not budge. SkinCeuticals tested this sunscreen on runners across multiple marathons to find a formula that wouldn't run when faced with extreme conditions. The product also protects against heat stress with the addition of plankton extract. And you don't have to be running 26.2 miles to splurge on this stuff -- it's just as suitable for sweaty days laying poolside.
Or Try:
Shiseido Sun Protection Lotion WetForce for Sensitive Skin and Children, $42
This mineral sunscreen is free of all the baddies -- parabens, alcohol and fragrances -- so it's won't irritate even the most sensitive of skin. The lightweight lotion sinks in immediately and feels like you're wearing nothing. Its matte finish means sand won't stick to it. But its real standout feature is its WetForce technology -- the waterproof formula becomes even more powerful when exposed to water or sweat, so you can be sure it won't budge.
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The Deal Breaker: It Makes You A Sticky Magnet for Everything
Why You'll Love It: For me, the most annoying part about wearing body sunscreen is that it makes my body a magnet for sand, dog hair, dirt -- basically, all things I don't want stuck to my body. Enter: This sunscreen. The mist dries quickly upon application, and contains a unique formula that makes it so easy to brush sand off your legs. This one's a game changer, guys.
Or Try: La Roche-Posay Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen, $19.99
Say goodbye to stickiness with this non-pore-clogging sunscreen. When applied, it immediately dries to a can't-tell-it's-there finish.
