Published May 19, 2020 12:00AM
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The Best Sun Protection Gear of 2020
Treat your skin to reef-safe protection and soothing aftercare
(Photo: Inga Hendrickson)
Kinfield Sunday Spray Mist ($22)
If you get roasted, a few spritzes of Sunday Spray will help take the edge off. It blends aloe juice, which contains vitamins A and C, with cooling spearmint and eucalyptus. Powerhouse hydrators cucumber and prickly pear help your skin bounce back. Warning: the minty scent may cause mojito cravings.
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Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Powder ($32)
Protect tricky areas like ears, hairline, and scalp with a dusting of broad-spectrum powder. Brush On Block’s titanium and zinc blend comes in two shades—translucent and sheer tan—that avoid looking ghostly against darker skin tones. And you can refill the brush (for $17) to cut down on plastic waste.
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Sun Bum SPF 30 Mineral Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion ($18)
Say goodbye to sticky, pore-clogging sunscreen that leaves your face chalky and white. This sheer cream is made with tinted minerals, so the formula disappears into your skin. It also survived a day in a hot car without turning into a runny mess.
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Kopari Coconut Balm ($34)
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Sun and salt take a toll on the skin’s natural moisture barrier; this nourishing formula rebuilds it. Fatty-acid-rich organic coconut oil helps keep skin hydrated, shea butter softens and smooths, and antioxidant vitamin E defends against the effects of UV exposure.
The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 30% in Silicone Cream ($7)
Sunburn is serious business: it hurts like hell in the short term and can lead to skin cancer down the road. Vitamin C is particularly good at fighting off sun damage. The antioxidant helps neutralize the cell-attacking free radicals produced by UV exposure. Keep a tube of this inexpensive serum on hand and apply it at night before your usual moisturizer, especially if you’ve caught too many rays.
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Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen ($20)
This formula is hypoallergenic and highly rated for cosmetic safety by the Environmental Working Group. It also rubs in easier than other all-natural formulas, so you can get your little one to playtime faster. The non-nano zinc-oxide particles won’t harm coral.
