It's time for some summer fun, and that means lots of sun exposure. Protection is key, but the sheer number of sunscreens on the market is enough to make you see red. To help, we tested a dozen lotions, sprays and creams, from SPF 30 up to 100.
BareMinerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen
Available at Bare Escentuals stores at International Plaza, Brandon Town Center Mall and Shops at Wiregrass, and Sephora stores; online at www.bareescentuals.com, www.qvc.com, www.amazon.com, www.beauty.com; $28 for 0.14 ounces.
"Our super-portable SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen is sheer and weightless, and it can be used from head to toe without clogging pores. It'll change the way you feel about sunscreen forever — for the better."
Rating: A
Wendy says: I'm a fan. I like mineral makeup, so I was excited to try a mineral sunscreen. I used it several ways: Over my tinted moisturizer for the office, alone over a moisturizer on weekends and on top of a lotion sunscreen at the beach. I never burned. I don't like lotion sunscreens on my face; I feel like my pores clog instantly. But this all-natural, oil-free, preservative-free alternative left my skin glowing and burn-free.
The manufacturer says the physical shield of micronized titanium dioxide provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen, which also contains vitamins, aloe vera extract and antioxidants, comes in three shades: light, medium and tan. And it's recommended for all skin types. Some reviewers said they didn't like that it was applied with a brush because they didn't know how to clean it. Others said the container broke easily. I didn't experience any of those problems. I'll be brushing on my facial sunscreen from now on.
Wendy M. Whitt, 44, is the Tribune's audience editor.
Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Spray SPF 50
Available at major drug stores and grocers; $9.99 for 5 ounces.
"Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunblock Spray instantly cuts through water to form a protective barrier."
Rating: B
Mary says: Sunscreen lotions are nearly impossible to apply when you or the kids just climbed out of the pool. Sprays are an improvement but often unpredictable. Wet Skin sprays on heavier and thicker than other aerosols, effectively breaking through the water and sticking to the skin. Though it claims to work well for dry skin, too, the clear spray hangs on dry skin almost like slathered baby oil. It does, however, block the sun's rays as well as other high SPF products.
Mary Shedden, 44, is health reporter for The Tampa Tribune and TBO.com.
Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 100
Available at major drug stores and grocers; $9.99 for 6 ounces.
"It offers broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and helps fortify the skin's natural defenses by replenishing the antioxidants depleted during sun exposure.''
Rating: A
Ken says: If you are more likely to endure a biopsy than a bikini contest, this product could be a lifesaver. I'm so pale, my dermatologist once told me I should wear sunscreen to bed. So I put this sunscreen to the test, working for three hours in 90-degree heat. When I finished, I wasn't even pink. I think that speaks to the claim that this product is sweat-resistant. It seems to hold its protective qualities in the worst of conditions. Now don't expect to walk out smelling like a coconut; this sunscreen has a fairly clinical, almost medicinal smell. But if you're buying 100 SPF sunscreen, protection is what you want. And this stuff works.
Ken Koehn, 48, is an assistant managing editor at the News Center.
Kiss My Face Sun Spray Lotion SPF 30
Available at Target stores, Abby's Health & Nutrition, Nature's Harvest Market, Wal-Mart and the Vitamin Shoppe; $12.95 for 4 ounces.
"Easy to apply, so spray liberally and sun conservatively."
Rating: B
Dennis says: We tested "Kiss My Face" during spring break at Cayo Costa State Park north of Sanibel, with isolated, wide-open beaches and as much sun exposure as any spot in Florida.
It worked fine at fending off sunburn. All this can be said of many sun protection products, though. What makes "Kiss My Face" different is its consistency and its dispenser.
The consistency is a welcome cross between the gooey creams in squeeze bottles and tubes, and the light sprays in cans. (The creams are gross and the sprays leave you wondering if you've applied enough.)
"Kiss My Face" is a pump-spray lotion in a plastic bottle. It blends into the skin quickly and feels good even on your face.
One practical downside, though: The pump dispenser has a slender plastic neck and a protruding handle, which get tangled up and aren't likely to survive long in the rough and tumble of the bags we take to the beach.
Dennis Joyce, 54, is an editor in the News Center's Data Circle.
Lily.B Skincare SPF 30 Ultra Defense
Available at www.lilybskincare.com; $22.50 for 2 ounces
"Organically grown aloe vera, green tea extract and sunflower oil add additional sun-protective properties as well as important skin nutrients and moisturizers."
Rating: A
Shannon says: I loathe choosing a facial sunscreen for everyday use. I prefer natural ingredients that won't cause breakouts or the dreaded sunscreen shine. There are few options that fit this bill, and the good ones are typically crazy expensive. That's why I was surprised by how much I liked Lily B. It's organic and loaded with titanium dioxide, green tea, aloe vera and beta carotene. It lightly moisturizes but not enough to drop a regular moisturizer. The key is to wait about 20 seconds for the sunscreen to sink in before applying makeup. It has no smell, and I loved the whipped consistency. The light pink was perfect for my fair complexion, and didn't leave a white cast the way some sunscreens do.
Shannon Behnken, 32, covers business for the Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8.
Publix Sport Sunscreen Lotion 50 SPF
Available at Publix; $5.99 for 8 ounces.
"Publix guarantee: Complete satisfaction or your money back."
Rating: B
Kevin says: My family has skin that comes in two colors: pale white under normal conditions and blood red when exposed to intense sunshine for extended periods of time. Since Florida's state motto could be "intense sunshine for extended periods of time," we long ago became learned in the ways of sunblock. It's that or burn, baby, burn.
We felt trepidation in handing over protection of our skin to a grocery store brand sunscreen. To be on the safe side, we tried the very water/sweat resistant version, and immediately put it to the test by spending an afternoon in and around a pool during a warm day in early May. The "dry formula" worked as advertised, going on with no greasy residue (this is especially important with kids, who will complain nonstop if it's greasy). We reapplied about once every 90 minutes and – here's the important part – no one got sunburned, although my daughter and I had some reddish cheeks (we usually use SPF 75). You'll want a higher SPF if you have very sensitive skin and are on the frying pan known as the beach, but it's good to know Publix is about as good as the "name brands," only at a cheaper price. Plus, there's that money-back guarantee if things go wrong.
Kevin Walker, 45, is Friday Extra editor.
Code SC "I Always Wear Protection" Sunshield SPF 30
Available at www.code-sc.com; $35 for 4 ounces
"This organic sunscreen (also packaged in recycled materials) contains ingredients like green tea to not only protect the skin, but offer anti-aging benefits too."
Rating: C
Rod says: Off the bat, I noticed the pleasant smell. Not too strong. I slathered on a generous amount and headed outside to mow the lawn in the blistering sun (Call me crazy). The sunscreen appeared to leave my skin with a bit of a glossy white sheen. I was cognizant of the product, because my legs glowed in the sun like a pair of white chocolate sticks. Operator error? Perhaps, but there were splotches all over. The next day at the gym, I could still feel the greasiness of the product and had to apply lotion to remove the whiteness from my legs and arms. But it worked; after spending an hour under the blazing sun I was still the same color.
Rod Carter, 42, is the morning anchor on News Channel 8 Today.
Clarins Sunscreen for Face, Wrinkle Control Cream
Available at Macy's and Sephora stores and at www.clarins.com; $30 for 2.5 ounces.
"Helps to protect the skin while additionally fighting environmental aggressors."
Rating: B+
Michelle says: If you live in Florida, you can't be a cheapskate when it comes to sun protection. Unless, of course, you want to keep your dermatologist in that nice mansion on Bayshore Boulevard.
Even though it's pricey, I liked several things about this Clarins sunscreen, starting with the promise of SPF 50. It also doubles as a wrinkle cream, smoothing away the "appearance" of wrinkles, sun-induced age spots and uneven skin tones. I ditched my moisturizer and used this lightweight cream for a month, and it did the trick in keeping my skin quenched and soft. It's not greasy or sticky, and it has a pleasant scent. It also kept my face freckle-free.
Michelle Bearden, 55, covers faith and values for the Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8
Australian Gold Clear Continuous Spray SPF 30
Available at www.australiangold.com and amazon.com; $10.49 for 6 ounces
"Fine Finish Technology provides fast-drying mist that is not sticky or tacky."
Rating: A
Eddie says: Whether you want to be transported to a tropical villa or just keep your skin from burning, this sunscreen will do the trick. The scent – infused with coconut and vanilla – can make you envision a sandy beach and fruity drink in your future, even if you're on the Upper Tampa Bay Trail sweating like a grizzly. The spray went on well and even. To maximize the coverage after spraying, I rubbed the solution onto my face, neck, arms and legs. Although there was a slightly greasy look immediately after application, it faded, leaving my skin protected and my hands free of residue. To make this challenge a tad tougher, I used the sunscreen while running for roughly 45 minutes. Despite an abundance of sweat, it did the job. Now for that beach and drink.
Eddie Daniels, 35, covers professional boxing and high school sports for The Tampa Tribune and TBO.com.
Aubrey Natural Sun SPF 30+ Green Tea
Available at www.aubrey-organics.com and other health-and-beauty web sites; around $12 for 4 ounces
"Intensive, protective formula prevents free radical damage and fights the aging effects of sun exposure and pollution with organic green tea and herbal skin conditioners."
Rating: C-
Mackenzie says: For all of green tea's myriad delights, Aubrey Organics seems to have found its kryptonite. The green tea sunscreen spreads like oil paint, coating its canvas in a thick, weighty paste. While it does effectively deter sunburn, the sunblock felt like an eggshell armor smothering my skin. The sunscreen's creamy hue makes its mark on clothes too, so beware of application in a sundress or even a bathing suit. Perhaps apply au natural, then suit up, in order to avoid a greasy residue that lingers on garments until washed. As a fair-skinned and freckled Florida native who requires sunscreen just to walk the dog every day, I want to support the Tampa-based Aubrey Organics, especially because the company doesn't test on animals. While my conscience feels good about the natural, earth-conscious product, my comfort just didn't match up.
Mackenzie Mount, 23, covers entertainment events for Friday Extra and TBO Extra.
Ahava Mineral Suncare SPF 30
Available at www.ahavaus.com; $25 for 8.5 ounces
"The Dead Sea region features supplementary atmospheric layers that act like natural sunscreens, filtering out harmful rays. This naturally occurring phenomenon inspired the creation of Mineral Suncare."
Rating: A
Daniela says: I took this sunscreen for a test run at Fort DeSoto beach. I figured a family picnic and a splash in the Gulf would be a good way to test out the power and durability of sunscreen (and if the smell would ward off relatives).
I loved it from the second it came out of the bottle.
It felt smooth on my skin and soaked in easily, without much of the rubbing usually needed to get rid of white lines and the stickiness sunblock often leaves on skin.
It also was truly unscented, which I prefer.
But what matters even more than the application aesthetics is that it actually works.
I went into the water, laid out on the beach and then went back to the picnic without reapplying and didn't get burned. Which might make it worth the $25 price tag.
Daniela Velazquez, 27, is an online producer and multimedia reporter for TBO.com and The Tampa Tribune.
Sunbow Sunscreen SPF 30 for children; available at www.sunbowsunscreen.com and www.drugstore.com; $10 for 5 ounces.
"Offering full spectrum protection, this sunscreen is not only super safe and nontoxic -- it's the most effective and pro tective natural sunscreen available on the market."
Rating: A
Shannon says: It's pink, and it smells like bubblegum. That's all it took to convince my little one to try this sunscreen for kids. It's all-natural and uses micronized zinc oxide instead of harsh chemicals. It had no sunscreen smell and didn't sting her eyes. It goes on pink and quickly disappears. We loved the pump container and it protected well. I wish there was a higher-SPF version for faces, though.
Shannon Behnken, 32, covers business for the Tribune, TBO.com and News Channel 8.
Obagi Nu-Derm Sun Shield SPF 50
Available at dermatologist and plastic surgery offices and www.lovelyskin.com; around $44 for 3 ounces
"Combines UVB absorption and UVA blockage for high sunscreen protection in an elegant, matte finish."
Rating: B –
Cloe says: Sunscreens are notorious for doing a number on my oily, sensitive, prone-to-breakouts skin. Not this one. It goes on a thick, but it's fast-absorbing and dries to a matte finish, so it provides a great base for my foundation. It gives great all-day coverage, I never got a breakout and my skin always looked nice after I took it off at the end of the day. But if you have darker skin like me, you'll notice it leaves behind a pasty, white hue, something that seems to be more common with sunscreens containing titanium oxide. That really doesn't bother me after I put on my makeup. But if I go without makeup, and I often do on weekends, this sunscreen makes me look like LaToya Jackson. And that's not a look I strive for.
Cloe Cabrera, 44, is fashion and beauty reporter for the Tribune, News Channel 8 and TBO.com.
NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 for face and neck
Available at several physicians' offices and spas in the Tampa Bay area, search nia24.com for locations; online at www.nia24.com, www.dermstore.com and www.amazon.com; $45 for 2.5 ounces
"Physician-recommended duo-action sun damage prevention and 100 percent mineral sunscreen in a weightless, oil-free lotion that absorbs instantly for complete protection."
Rating: B+
Kim says: There's a limit to how many products you can put on your face every morning. Now that every moisturizer and foundation has at least an SPF 15, I don't worry about ladling on another layer. I only use sunscreen on my days off – and when I do, it's a full-body job. But NIA24 has a little something extra that made it worth trying: Pro-Niacin has been shown to improve skin tone, texture and hyperpigmentation.
I'll admit I was a little nervous after reading the warnings that the niacin might turn my face red or cause a breakout. It didn't. And I was impressed with how light the lotion is. It isn't fragrance-free (as claimed) but the scent is very clean. Of course, the important thing is protection, and it does the job. As far as "repairing," it's too early to tell – and I'm not certain other Beauty Board products shouldn't get some of the credit for any difference I think (or hope) I'm seeing.
Kim Franke-Folstad, 52, is the editor of 4you.
Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protection Cream SPF35
Available at Dillard's, Macy's and Nordstrom's; $30 for 50 milliliters
"A feather-light daily sunscreen that provides exceptional hydration while protecting against UV rays, dryness and air pollution for beautiful healthy looking skin."
Rating: A
Shantae says: Shiseido's cream applies like a moisturizer and sinks right into the skin. It feels light and doesn't leave that greasy or stinging feeling. It leaves my skin feeling hydrated. It makes for a nice base for your makeup and doesn't leave a shiny finish. It removes easily with cleanser. It has a light fragrance but it isn't overbearing. The price is a little high, but for a product that offers protection for my skin and suits it well, I'm willing to pay the price.
Shantae Brewster, 36, is the Tribune's Readers Desk supervisor.
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