SHAPE Sun Awards 2013: Sexy Summer Skin Guide

By SHAPE Editors
April 22, 2013
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Forget what you know about UV protection. These fab formulas are guaranteed to safeguard your skin and hair—minus the chalky, sticky, or smelly side effects
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Best for Oily Skin

You needn't stress about breakouts or shiny skin with Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry Twist-Up Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($26; peterthomasroth.com)—this unique cream-to-powder formula provides a matte finish.

Watch these videos to get the scoop on how all the Sun Award winners were chosen!

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Best for Lips

Sun Bum Flavored Lip Balm, shown in Pomegranate ($4; amazon.com), offers paraben-free SPF 30. Bonus: The sweet, fruity flavor makes it extra-enticing—do your best not to lick it off!

Visit our feature on Amazon.com to buy this and other winning products!

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Best for Under Eyes

Shield delicate skin and fight crow's feet with Supergoop Advanced SPF 37 Anti-Aging Eye Cream ($43; supergoop.com). It contains oat peptides that ramp up collagen production and mica particles to diffuse dark circles. Plus, the tube's cool metal applicator helps reduce puffiness.

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Best Translucent Coverage

The naturally sourced formula of CeraVe Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face ($15; cvs.com) boasts a high percentage of zinc in a new micronized form that dries crystal clear.

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Best Over Makeup

Business lunch alfresco? Reapply without messing up your base by spritzing on Goldfaden MD Sun Visor Ultra-light Oil Free SPF 30 Mist ($45; amazon.com). It's infused with red tea extract, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide to keep skin safe.

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Best Daily Moisturizer

Hydrate thirsty skin and get serious sun protection in a cream so luxurious you'll want to use it every day. In addition to vitamin E, Perricone MD Photo Plasma SPF 30 ($69; perriconemd.com) boasts a combination of mineral sunscreens and astaxanthin, a red algae-derived antioxidant, to help calm inflammation.

Click to see SHAPE's Beauty Director give a video demo of this winning product

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Best Stick

Sometimes great things come in small packages, and this pocket-size sunscreen fits the bill. Murad Essential-C Sun Balm Broad Spectrum SPF 35 ($25; murad.com) is loaded with vitamin C to brighten and firm, as well as broccoli extract, which stimulates your skin's natural UV defenses.

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Best for Active Lifestyles

Banana Boat Sport Performance CoolZone Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ($11; amazon.com) is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes so it can withstand even the sweatiest beach volleyball match. Plus, this formula refreshes hot skin on contact and has an invigorating scent.

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Best for Swimming

Thanks to Helioplex technology, Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Barrier Spray SPF 70 ($11; amazon.com) protects you from harmful UVB and UVA rays longer. It also includes water- and salt-repelling ingredients that defend skin against the dehydrating effects of the ocean or pools.

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Best Shield with Sheen

Glisten up with L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil SPF 30 ($11; amazon.com)—it imparts a glow via argan and sunflower oils.

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Best for Easy Application

The airy mousse texture makes Vichy Capital Soleil SPF 50 Lightweight Foaming Lotion ($29; vichyusa.com) ultra-spreadable, which means it’s almost impossible to miss a spot. The sunscreen also includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and softening botanicals.

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Best for Dry Skin

If you’re prone to parched and irritated arms and legs, try Aveeno Protect + Hydrate SPF 70 ($10; aveeno.com). This lotion features the brand’s famous calming oat extracts and provides 24-hour moisturization.

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Best Featherweight

The fast-absorbing La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Tinted Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid ($37; amazon.com) has a barely there feel, but protects just as well as a heavy cream or lotion. Bonus: A subtle tint leaves a veil of color on skin.

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Best for Mattifying

The powder formula of Shiseido Limited Edition Sun Protection Compact Foundation SPF 34 ($36; shiseido.com) sops up oil as it adds an extra layer of coverage. And its canary yellow case not only ensures you won’t miss it in your bag, but it also reminds you to touch up midday.

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Best Sunburn Soother

Dealing with the painful aftermath of a sun overdose? (Hey, it happens.) Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun ($8; amazon.com) contains ribbons of aloe, silk protein, and shea butter to ease the ouch and rehydrate skin.

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Best for Travel

When you’re on the go, Hampton Sun SPF 35 Luxe Sport Continuous Mist Sunscreen ($10; amazon.com) packs major protection in a TSA and purse-friendly 1-ounce can. The 360-degree applicator makes it possible to apply at any angle.

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Best All-in-One

Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream SPF 25 ($40; clarinsusa.com)—a mix of sunscreen, skincare, and tinted moisturizer in one—keeps you safe from wrinkle-causing rays, while light-reflecting pigments camouflage blemishes and redness.

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Best for Kids

Children are notorious for squirming around or running away while you try to apply their sunscreen. Coppertone Kids Wacky Foam SPF 75+ ($11; amazon.com) is a mousse that expands in your hand (cool, Mom!) and absorbs into skin—fast.

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Best Haircolor Protector

The UV filters in Pureology Precious Oil ($40; amazon.com), along with a blend of sunflower seed, coconut, olive, and jojoba oils, keep your dye job looking brilliant and your strands soft and healthy.

Watch these videos to see product demonstrations and get the scoop on how all the Sun Award winners were chosen!

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