Sunscreens offer various protections, features

Banana Boat’s Sport Ultra Spray

$12.89 for 9.5 ounces at Target 

Banana Boat’s Sport Ultra Spray is available in SPF 15, 30, 50 and 100, providing options for various durations of protection. One of the most noticeable things when using the ultra spray is its strong scent, which smells of sweat mixed with chemicals — a scent that represents a hot summer day. However, the bottle’s nozzle lacks gumption and ability to directly spray a specific patch of skin, instead spraying the skin and into the surrounding air, meaning the user is wasting and inhaling the sunscreen while applying. Once applied, the product feels oily and somewhat greasy. However, the sunscreen is known for its durability and protection when engaging in physically exerting activities. 

Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Body Mist

$11.49 for 5 ounces at Target

Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Body Mist is also available in a variety of SPF levels. Neutrogena is branded as being healthier and less-toxic and less prone to causing acne breakouts. The spray nozzle makes it easy for application and provides a firm spray of scuncreen on the directed area. Also, the chemical scent isn’t as potent as other spray options. Once applied, it feels light and rubs into the skin much like a lotion or cream. 

Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB Skin Cream Perfector 

$8.09 for 1 ounce at Ulta

Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB Skin Cream Perfector is a pigmented cream that contains SPF 30. Its texture and behavior isn’t dissimilar to most liquid-based foundations, with a smooth and easy-to-blend formula. Therefore, it could be easily applied to the neck and face with a foundation brush, beauty blender or your fingers. Its pigmentation as foundation is very sheer and is generally unable to conceal large blemishes and dark spots without the help of another product. Although, the airy, light texture and sheer coverage makes it suitable for minimal sun protection. 

Up & Up’s Illuminating Daily Moisturizer

$10.89 for 4 ounces at Target

Up & Up’s Illuminating Daily Moisturizer is a pump lotion with SPF 15. The texture reflects that of most unscented hand lotions, somewhat sticky at first but soaks in after a few minutes. Once applied, the lotion absorbs into the skin and feels light and not oily, making it perfect as a hand cream or facial lotion. However, the low SPF number makes it unideal to be the only sunscreen applied to the body during a summer’s day.

Cetaphil’s Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick  

$9.99 for 0.5 ounces on Amazon

Cetaphil’s Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick is a roll-up SPF 50 sunscreen stick. The roll-up dispenser resembles a large chapstick and the user can drag the stick across their skin while pressing to apply. This method of application is relatively inefficient but does give a mess-free application, unlike the spray options. One of the most noticeable things once applied is the continuous sticky feeling of the sunscreen formula sitting on the skin. Notably, the product doesn’t leave a chemically scented odor and its small size makes it easily portable for reapplication throughout the day.