I have a very, very strict rule each time I leave the house, and that’s to never forget to apply sunblock. I cannot reiterate enough how much damage the sun can cause to our skin (and health), and if you need further proof, check out this article by Lost At E Minor.
Scary, isn’t it? Now, being a self-proclaimed sunblock ambassador has prompted me to list down my top picks of sunblock brands—and why they’re my favorite.
Here below are effective brands I’ve used (or currently use) throughout the years.FOR EVERYDAY USE:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock with SPF 50
If you get irritated easily by the sticky, heavy feeling that sunblock tends to leave, you’ll love this one! It has a smooth, powdery finish—perfect for daily use. I’ve been using this sunblock everyday for the last ten years (I started when I was a teenager), and I’ve always loved it. Pretty evident since I’ve stuck to it for a decade now.
FOR SPORTS:
I was a softball player from grade school up until college, and an Ultimate player from high school until now. These are two sports that require me to play under the sun for hours, which is why I’m forced to research and consult on the best sunblock brands not just for daily use, but also for sports use. Sunblock for sports (and swimming) contain a higher level of SPF for maximum protection. But it doesn’t mean that because your sunblock has a high SPF, you no longer need to reapply sunblock. Sunblock needs to be reapplied every hour (or after every game), because your sweat tends to wash off the product.
These are the most effective sunblock brands for sports, in my opinion:
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen SPF 30
Not only do I love the packaging (it’s purple after all), I also love the scent—because it reminds me of a hot day on the beach. It smells a little bit like coconut, which is an addiction for me. The downside of using this brand is that Hawaiian Tropic adds tanning ingredients in most (if not all) of their products—according to my dermatologist. So if you’re into the whole skin whitening thing, I wouldn’t recommend this. (Kind of ironic though if you’re into a sport that exposes you to sunlight and you’re also into skin whitening.)
My main reasons for using this sunblock is the scent, it sticks really well therefore it stays on longer, and it guarantees protection (I don’t feel as much sun burns after a whole day of playing Ultimate).
Coppertone Sport Spray SPF 30
Aside from easily getting this from any drug store, the spray makes it really convenient to apply and re-apply—especially if you’re in a hurry to get ready for your game. It’s light, non-greasy, it dries quickly, and it’s relatively affordable! What I don’t like about it is that the product runs out fast. A bottle can last me just a few game days.
Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sheer Protect SPF 30
Another cheap yet effective sunblock that you won’t feel guilty about lathering on your skin no matter the amount—so it makes you apply and re-apply more often. Since it has a really thick consistency, it stays on pretty long. I’m just not a fan of how heavy it feels on my skin.
SunPlay SPF 130
I recently discovered SunPlay this year, and I really love the technology behind how this product was made. Though the bottle is small, when you pour the product on your hand, it comes out in a really liquid-y form which results in a more even application. It’s also much easier to spread out compared to other sunblock brands with thicker consistencies. I’m a huge fan of the smell, too. I just wish they would come out with bigger sizes of the product.
Armada Sport 70
Though it’s really expensive, I don’t mind investing at all in this sunblock. I would definitely call it the queen of sunblock brands, because it’s that effective. I was first introduced to this brand in high school, and this was the only product where even though I was exposed to the worst kind of sunlight, I never got any sun burns.
So those are my top sunblock brands. I hope this list helps you pick the sunblock that suits your lifestyle! And don’t forget to apply sunblock everyday! If you have a game or a tournament, make sure to apply 15 to 20 minutes before you’re exposed to the sunlight. Keep coming back because I’ll be updating this list should I encounter a sunblock that I like. Feel free to suggest yours too in the comment box below!