1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face SPF 60 Serum , which reviewers ADORE as a priming moisturizer. Because sometimes, when you're doing a full face and your SPF isn't built into another product, even the BEST sunscreen users can forget it! Oh, and there's zero white cast! Promising review: "I have been searching for a sunscreen like this for a long time.
I really dislike putting anything heavy on my face and prefer a gel-like consistency. I am a big fan of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid serum and the texture of this sunscreen feels pretty close to that. I have tried much more expensive 'serum' sunscreens and find this one my favorite and for a much better price point .
" — JHoch Get it from Amazon for $12.52 (fragrance- and oxybenzone-free). 2.
Or standalone Bliss Block Star Face Sunscreen SPF 50 's nongreasy formula will soak into skin so well — even if you're layering it under a full face of foundation (I should know). It's also sweat- and water-resistant, fragrance-free, and noncomedogenic, so it checks most of the boxes for what you could need in a face sunscreen. Promising review : "I’ve had difficulties finding the right mineral and no white cast sunscreen.
I finally gave this one a try, and I LOVE IT! It has a sheer finish and NO WHITE CAST (I have dark caramel skin). It doesn’t break me out. I recommend using your fingers to apply rather than a brush.
It has a light lavender smell that I’m not too crazy about, but it’s okay. Overall 10/10!!!" — Khaye Get it from Amazon for $13.97+ (available in tinted and non-tinted options).
3. A reviewer-beloved, spacious beach tent with UPF 50+ protection (the maximum sun protective rating achievable for fabrics) to give you ALL the shade at the beach because the beach CAN be great. You just gotta be prepared! Promising review : "I got this for a week-long beach trip, and it did not disappoint.
This thing is super easy to put up and has plenty of space for the littles to play in the shade. I didn’t worry even once about the wind snatching this thing up. It was super sturdy with the sandbags filled.
10/10." — Madison H. Get it from Amazon for $129.
95+ (available in two sizes and four colors). 4. A UPF 50 quick-dry long-sleeve swim top if your shoulders always ALWAYS get fried on beach vacations.
Pull on this cute top and it won't be an issue! HDE is a small biz specializing in fashion and accessories. Promising review: "Loved this swim top. Shorter than most but not too short.
Awesome colors, dries quickly, size is accurate. Always excited to wear it." — Julia Get it from Amazon for $29.
99+ (available in sizes 1X–3X and 10 patterns/styles). 5. And if you prefer a little more coverage, some UPF 50+ swim capris built to help you jump some waves and engage in some serious seashell-hunting activities.
UV SKINZ is a small biz specializing in beach- and sun-wear. Promising review: "I used these pants for kayaking, at the beach, and just walking around midday. They are cute, comfortable, dry fast, and keep me cool on hot days.
I love the teal color that goes with so many of my fitness tops as well as bathing suit tankinis and sunshirts. Was kind of expensive, but I expect them to last through many summers." — GrannyGear Get them from Amazon for $65.
95+ (available in sizes XS–4XL and eight colors/prints). 6. A *solid* Neutrogena SPF 50 sunscreen that really sticks to your skin on your tropical (or just plain sweaty) vacation.
Oh, and because it's a solid, it's carry-on–friendly! (I love to keep this in my purse all the time.) I first bought this for a weeklong Croatian vacation in 2021 years ago when I did carry-on, and as long as you are *thoroughly* reapplying, this stuff stays on pretty well. On a beach club afternoon, I did haphazardly reapply and missed a strip on one arm, but I tend to do that with spray-on or lotion sunscreen, too.
Since then, I've packed this for any trip I've been on , including a two-day Disneyland trip where I toted this around in my bag and shared with friends. I sometimes carry it with me in my purse on my everyday adventures because I know it's so easy to apply. Also worth mentioning.
..I am about the palest lady you've ever seen and swear by daily application of sunscreen.
But when on a beach trip, I'm constantly swimming in the water and sweating. So yeah, this stuff works. And if you're a bit hesitant about jumping on the solid sunscreen bandwagon, you can pack a stick of this, knowing you have enough sun protection to get you through to finding some spray-on or lotion SPF at your destination.
Get it from Amazon for $9.88 . 7.
Burt's Bees after-sun soothing lotion because sometimes you get sunburned even when you think you're being great about reapplying sunblock. Or maybe you just recruited your laziest friend to help you reapply on your back. Both are highly possible! It doesn't contain any parabens, phthalates, petrolatum or SLS.
Promising review: "Whenever someone I know has a sunburn, I become that super annoying product-pusher friend. I tell everyone about the sun soother! Really, Burt’s Bees should pay me. It rubs into skin like lotion so you don’t feel greasy and can immediately put on clothes after application.
A little goes a long way! It smells good without being overpowering (and I’m picky about scents!). Most importantly, it works! I’ve had everything from slight burn to looks-like-a-lobster-feels-like-fire and this sun soother has eliminated the pain/itch and drastically reduced the eventual peel. Highly recommend!" — jlgentr3 Get it from Amazon or $13.
40 . 8. A fancy umbrella that reviewers love for their patio but *also* take along to the beach.
But if you're landlocked, you still have lots of shady backyard ops to use it. Beach State is a small business specializing in premium, high-quality beach umbrellas. Check out a TikTok of the umbrella in action.
Promising review : "This umbrella is exactly what my family was looking for as our everyday beach umbrella — large diameter, high quality, and cute retro design . It is a higher end umbrella but still slightly less expensive than the other big name designer beach gear company that we were considering. It is easy to pop up and stays standing, and we’ve had many compliments from other people at the beach asking where we got it.
The customer service from the company was excellent. Would definitely recommend these umbrellas!" — Taryn Get it from Amazon for $120+ (available in seven colors). 9.
A sturdy beach umbrella that reviewers say withstands the wind in case you're sick of renting an *essential* shady umbrella for every last beach day. It comes with sandbag anchors and stakes for reinforcement, an adjustable pole that can be tilted, and its own carrying bag. Promising review: "We live in Maui, Hawaii, and wind gusts on the beach can exceed 50 mph some days.
The wind also changes direction constantly and never comes from just one direction. We have spent over $500 trying to find various combinations of anchors, umbrellas, and tie downs, and NOTHING has worked until these bad boys. We bought one initially and tested it out on a VERY windy day and were super impressed.
It never once became inverted or blew over. Meanwhile, the other umbrella we were using that day broke. Needless to say, I have since bought two more so we can have ample shade for my husband, my dog, and myself.
" — Beth Get it from Amazon for $89.99 (available in blue or orange). 10.
A retro-look swim dress that, tbh, has no business being this cute. And! It has full shorts underneath so you don't have to worry about anything riding up at the least convenient time. If you wanna look cute and beach-y without putting every last inch of your skin in the sun (bc sunburns), then this is a great bet.
HDE is a small biz specializing in apparel. Promising review: "This might just be the best suit ever. I hate shopping for suits, and to buy online was pretty risky.
The reviews helped! I normally wear a 16, and I followed the advice of ordering a size up. The inside section is a little loose but very comfortable. Highly recommend this suit.
Well made, and arrived the next day. Where is my ocean!?" — sarah kahale Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in sizes 12–22 and four designs).
11. A packable floppy hat with a wide brim that'll provide some extra shade on walks, park days, whatever! Promising review : "Honey, this hat was giving me everything I needed it to give! I felt Gone With The Wind fabulous in this hat for my cruise vacation. It provided the adequate shade for my face and shoulders while allowing me to shade myself from people I didn’t want to talk to! Bay-bay! It was EVERYTHING I needed it to be AND the size XL fit over my braids.
So my girls with protective styles or just big hair, this is the hat for you! 🎉" — 1922blue Get it from Amazon for $25.99+ (available in sizes M–XL and in eight colors). 12.
A *tasteful* sunshade triangle rather than a canopy you can rig up over the patio or the kids' sandbox to block up to 95% of UV rays and keep things a bit cooler while you lounge in the shade. Promising review: "My pool is awesome when it gets into the hundreds of degrees here in California. We decided to grab a 20x20x20 triangle and holy cow does it do a number on the backyard! Not only does it keep my pool better-shaded, but it also keeps the sun off of my back patio during the hottest part of the day.
" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $25.98+ (available in 6 sizes and 13 colors). 13.
A set of sunscreen reminder stickers to pair with your body sunscreen so there's someone besides you and your pal who're wading in the waves to remind you that, uh, yes, you do need to reapply! Oh and they last for 12 hours. Once a sticker turns colors, it's time to reapply. Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action.
Promising review: "Just used this product on a recent trip to Florida. I made sure to wash my skin before application and it lasted about two days on my skin without coming off. When out of the sun or behind UV glass, like in a car, the spot turns clear.
As soon as you step into the sun it turns purple. If you use a sunblock it starts to become clear or semi clear. After being on the beach and having gone into the water a few times the spot started seeing purple and I applied sunblock again .
In a minute the spot was clear again. So this is very effective In alerting me when to reapply." — RGTorque Get two 16-counts from Amazon for $25.
98+ (also available as a 48-count). 14. A long-sleeve rash guard top and ruched high-waisted bottoms if you've ever said "no" to a beach day because your shoulders tend to sizzle.
Not a problem! Cover your arms and live your best waterbug life! Promising review: "Loved this suit! I went to Mexico on vacation and was concerned with getting too much sun. The top was perfect, and I expected to hate the bottoms, but they fit and looked great for my frame! Not only was this functional, but super cute, and I received a lot of compliments. I also did not get sunburned laying on the beach all day.
" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in sizes 4–20 and two styles). 15.
A zip-up one-piece with cute cap sleeves and a fun print if you can't stand on the beach 20 minutes without getting sunburned on your chest. Or, you just wanna get versatile with the amount of cleavage you show. Promising review: "I bought this bathing suit before I went to Costa Rica.
It was very nice for river rafting, zip-lining, and repelling. The zipper makes it easy to get on and off. It was very comfortable.
It covered my shoulders. Didn't ride up." — Peter C.
Get it from Amazon for $35.99 (available in sizes XS–XL and 13 designs). 16.
A refillable sunscreen sponge applicator with a rollerball inside to make reapplication SO much easier. Even for your family members who always complain later after they avoided reapplication OR "reapplied" but somehow still have an extremely sunburnt stomach. Promising review: "Used for the first time today on my 7-year-old.
First time in his life he actually enjoyed having sunscreen applied to his skin! Very easy to use and not messy at all. Extremely pleased with this purchase!" — amyj Get it from Amazon for $13.58+ (available in eight colors and in multipacks).
17. Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 beloved by reviewers with melanated skin for good reason. It rubs in (like, actually rubs in) and doesn't leave any ashy white effect.
Black Girl Sunscreen is a Black woman-owned business whose sunscreen is designed not to leave a white cast on melanated skin. It's ultra sheer, water-resistant, and super nourishing thanks to its all-natural ingredients. Plus, it's cruelty-free! They also make sunscreen for kids with SPF 50.
Promising review: "I’ve tried many, many sunscreens that claim to blend and not leave a white cast when applied. This was so much better than I expected. A nickel-size amount goes a long way and blends into a smooth, dewy finish.
I also didn’t notice a scent so there was no worries of walking around smelling like sunscreen." — Target Customer Get it from Target for $19.59 or from Black Girl Sunscreen for $18.
99 (cruelty-, fragrance-, oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, silicone- and aluminum-free, and vegan). 18. A reversible bucket hat because, well, EVERYONE looks great in a bucket hat.
You just haven't found one that suits you yet. WELP, I just found it for you. Keeping the sun outta your face has never looked so cute.
Promising review: "I got a ton of compliments. 💖" — Tasha Get it from Amazon for $13.89 (available in 43 prints).
19. b.tan Self-Tanner will be super easy to apply and develops in an hour.
Just because you coat on the SPF doesn't mean you can't have a nice summer tan! (Psst, self-tanner beginners say this vegan formula is easy to use with a nice, gradual fade.) Promising review : “If you use St. Tropez tan products or any fake tanner, do yourself a favor and try this.
This stuff is AWESOME. Dries quickly, lasts longer, does NOT make your skin stinky, applies evenly, and you get a fair amount of product!! Other tanners I’ve used become VERY noticeable when they start fading. Gross hand lines, patchy white spots, etc.
, but not this stuff. The best one-hour tan I have ever used !” — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.97 (available in 11 styles).
20. A universal phone shade will help shade your face plus help you better see your phone screen so you can show your friends a backlog of TikToks. Shadey Attachments is a UK-based small business that came up with this idea after seeing people struggle to view their phone while lounging in the sun.
The shades attaches to most mobile devices by suction and fans out to protect your face from UV rays. Promising review: "I ordered this last-minute for Christmas holiday, and I can honestly say, I now can’t use my phone in the sun without it! It took a second to get going and to realize you have to point it at the sun to put your face in the shade (also better for the wrinkles). It's literally the best thing ever for the sun.
" — Hayley Place Get it from Shadey Attachments on Etsy for $17.41 (available in seven colors). 21.
Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 comes in a two-pack so you can know you'll be covered without FEELING like you're covered in greasy sun protection. Promising review: "My kids will only use spray-on sunscreen (for their bodies and the stick for face and neck). This spray is easy to use and protects their delicate skin from harmful UVB rays.
It's waterproof and sweat-proof, which is a big plus. Would highly recommend!" — S. Pme Get it from Amazon for $14.
49 . 22. Missha's Soft Finish Sun Milk has SPF 50+ protection no matter if you're sweating or even crying (hopefully tears of joy!).
Reviewers especially love it for wearing with a full face of makeup. In the progression photos above, you can see a reviewer before applying the sun milk, after applying the sun milk, and then the sun milk under makeup. Promising review: "I have dark, oily skin and purchased this product after reading recommendations.
There is no white cast; you can barely see it upon application unless you use too much. You definitely do not need a lot. It spreads thin.
When it dries, any color is gone. It also helps slow down my face, getting all greasy as the day goes on , which I love. My skin is very, very oily but I can still apply this after my moisturizer and feel totally comfortable.
I'm not a fan of scents, and the scent on this is extremely mild." — Ms. Renee Get it from Amazon for $19.
50 . 23. Coppertone Glow with Shimmer Sunscreen Spray in SPF 30 can give you that been-outside-all-summer glow — even if the most light you've basked in has been the light of your phone three mere inches from your face as you scroll through TikTok at 3 a.
m. Promising review: "LOVE this. I no longer forget to put on sunscreen as this is part of my new routine.
Love the shimmer (much more than anticipated), especially on my arms and legs. Face might be a bit much, but prevents a burn for the win." — Tawny Stammen Get it from Amazon for $15.
24 . 24. A roomy beach bag with a waterproof section where you can stick your phone, Kindle, and other items that ABSOLUTELY cannot get wet.
AND it'll have plenty of room for your sunscreen and sun hat. Promising review: "When you go to the pool or beach nowadays you see a lot of people with these $100+ rubber carry-alls. Sure they look nice but they are not as practical as this bag or have the features of this bag.
I came to appreciate this bag when I loaded up the grandkids to take to the pool and realized too late that I did not remove my hearing aids or empty my pockets. This bag comes with a nice waterproof pouch and I was able to keep all those belongings, I should have left at home, safe and dry all day!" — David Petraitis Get it from Amazon for $37.99 (available in 10 colors/prints).
25. A waterproof pouch to throw your phone in on that day you decided to shock your friends by driving an hour to the river and going tubing in the sun. You can catch it all for the 'gram because this'll keep your phone dry *and* let you still use your touchscreen.
I bring these on all my beach vacations and have taken some really cool underwater videos. It fits any phone up to 100 mm x 170 mm (or about 3.9 inches x 6.
7 inches). It also keeps out sand, dirt, and rain. Promising review: "I purchased this case in July for an upcoming canoe trip with a friend, and as luck would have it, we flipped our canoe.
Being the rebel that I am, I chose not to wear my phone around my neck, and so it, my ID, and my debit card ended up at the bottom of the river and I just assumed it would be discovered a thousand years from now and placed in a museum as an ancient artifact. Fast forward to this week. I was contacted via FB by an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office diver and guess what he found? Yup, my phone case with all of the contents intact and dry as a bone! He had to cut the case open, but there was not one single drop of water in it and he ended up purchasing a case for himself because he was just that impressed!" — Julie McDonald Get it from Amazon for $5.
59 (available in 14 colors). 26. A five-piece table set just begging to be paired with a chic umbrella because maybe you're ready to emerge from the air-conditioned outdoors.
But you'd like to remain in the shade. Promising review: "FINALLY, a low-cost outdoor set that is good quality, super easy to assemble, and looks even better than the pictures. It can definitely fit four people with plates and glasses, but it gets a little tight with anything else on the table (for two people, it's awesome, with plenty of room for everything).
I think this set is comfortable enough for eating or sitting for a bit, but I probably would not choose it if I could only purchase one set for my yard (to accommodate eating, lounging, sitting, etc.). It doesn't change my review; I just want to be fair about my satisfaction in the context of how I'm using it.
So, in summary, as someone who has unfortunately had to return several junk quality things from Amazon (including some other furniture), I give this 5 stars! Great value, great set!" — Amazon Customer Get them from Amazon for $350.99 . 27.
Or a 15-foot lighted umbrella that'll tilt (literally) to your whims and give you the right amount of shade and light when/where you want it. Note that this includes just the umbrella, not the table! Promising review: "This patio umbrella is very beautiful. It has many very nice colors for you to choose from.
It's made from 100% polyester material that is very durable. The solar lights make it very unique, it is perfect for my backyard. The size is pretty big and can cover a large area to provide enough shade.
It's great for you to enjoy the sunny days without worrying about sunburn. It is very easy to set it up. It is not very heavy and very stable with a sturdy base.
I am very happy with this purchase." — yimin wang Get it from Amazon for $72.99 (available in 10 color combos).
28. A CurlCap backless adjustable cap with plenty of room for your natural hair or updos while giving your face some extra shade when you walk to the water every hour or so to dip your toes in it and confirm that, yep, the ocean is still there. CurlCap is a Black-owned apparel company founded by Britney Sade that specializes in caps designed for natural hair with an open back and flexible scrunchie design.
Promising review : "This hat is comfortable, well made, and cute! It is now my go-to hat for casual days when I put my hair in a ponytail. I have also worn it playing tennis and found that it's more comfortable than wearing a visor. The back elastic really keeps the hat secure without feeling too tight.
I have the black twill, and would love to see it in other colors in this fabric for walking, running, and tennis. Love." — Me Get it from Amazon for $14.
98 (available in 15 styles). 29. A hanging lounge chair your dog will adore too — all the better to make a lil' oasis for yourself.
(Even in the smallest of backyards!) Promising review: "The only problem I have with this chair is: I only have one of them and the whole family now fights over it! Seriously, it is THAT comfortable and relaxing. Pretty easy to put together, my husband got it all assembled in less than an hour and then proceeded to open up a beer and fall asleep in it next to the pool, HA! I like to take my laptop out with me and work in it as the moveable umbrella shades my screen. Love love LOVE it!!" — Erin S Get it from Amazon for $199.
99 (available in seven colors). 30. Milani Make It Last Sunscreen Setting Spray / Primer with SPF 30 to help you combine three beauty products into one.
..and make your makeup waterproof for up to 16 hours.
After all, if you're going to bother putting on makeup during the blistering heat of summer, you might as well make sure it stays PUT. According to the American Academy of Dermatology , to have enough coverage from spray sunscreens, you need to spray 'em until your skin ✨ glistens✨, then rub it in. *Or* you could use a spray like this one as an extra layer of protection if you already wear your regular facial sunscreen, too! Promising review: "Waterproof! I bought the sunscreen setting spray for my trip to Cancun.
Let me tell you, it was humid in the 90s; I went swimming, I went snorkeling, and my make-up stayed on!! This was the best. I also used a heavy amount of setting powder ( e.l.
f. and Givenchy ) to keep my makeup locked in. I was getting sweaty and the sunscreen mist does leave you a little shiny, but blotting works and leaves you looking like new again.
10/10 setting spray. I've used Revolution , One/Size, e.l.
f. , and Morphe setting spray, and this one was the best and cheapest." — V Get it from Amazon for $13.
97 (available in a two-pack and in other styles). 31. Hempz Yuzu & Starfruit Daily Lotion in case you wish that you could combine your regular lotion and sunscreen routine.
This is it! This is the solution! Promising review: "This product is a staple in my house. I use it every day to keep my skin protected, moisturized, and smelling wonderful. Love it!" — Bamagirl Get it from Amazon for $19.
87 . 32. Alleyoop Sunsational Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 50, niacinamide, and jojoba — all packed into a super effective, dermatologist-tested formula for some coverage without feeling like you've got a ton on your face.
Promising review: "I bought this for the summer because of the SPF. I have gotten rid of all my other skin tints because this one does everything you could need and more." — Anthony B Get it from Amazon for $28 (available in seven shades; vegan and cruelty-free).
33. If you're feeling splurgey, Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow Gel SPF 45 delivers on some major glitz while blocking the sun's harmful rays. In case you've always thought, "I love how people look all glowy while oiled up!" but have gone for traditional SPF for obvious reasons, here's your sign to try this.
That's my hand and VERY pale leg on a beach near Cala Gonome in Sardinia during a recent boat day. If you can't tell already from this story, I'm always on SPF Patrol for myself and others, but also jump in the water any chance I get. So SPF that sticks is *essential*.
I reapplied this a few times between dips, and again the next day, and wasn't sunburned after! It also gave me a gorgeous glow in pics from the boat days that could possibly pass as some "color" (at least for me). It also has a delish mango scent that's just the right amount of scent you want in a sunscreen. Lastly, this bottle goes a LONG way.
I used it for three days and still have just under half of it left! (If I'm using an aerosol SPF, I go through a bottle in a beach day.) Get it from Ulta for $42 (vegan and cruelty-free; also available in Amber/SPF 30 and Glow/SPF 30 ). 34.
A sand removal bag filled with talc-free, reef-friendly powder that'll help you brush off the scratchy stuff when it's time to reapply your sunscreen. Exfoliation scrubbing is happening LATER in the shower, not in between SPF layers on the beach, OK? Also, it'll be fab when it's time to the leave the beach and you don't want to track a bucket's worth of sand into your car. See it in action on TikTok here .
Shakalo is a San Diego-based small business started to figure out a way to help people, especially parents remove sand before leaving the beach. The soft fabric pouch allows the powder to remove the sand without scattering everywhere. Promising review: "We recently moved to a beach area, and we are constantly there.
This item has changed our entire lives! It lasts decently long (depending on how much you use it), it smells super good (not at all like baby powder), and it's super effective. It has saved me from vacuuming my car at least 1x–2x a week. I even use it on my dogs paws and bellies to make sure they're taken care of.
I will definitely be buying the refill and another bag to have exclusively in the car." — Gabbs Uresti Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in two sizes).
35. Sun Bum SPF 30 Scalp and Hair Mist to make sure that your precious hair part doesn't get burned while you're doing whatever you're doing outdoors. This also doesn't turn your roots or scalp a different color! I've been using this product for a couple of years now, and it tends to last me quite a long time.
I also like to spray it along my hairline where I tend to be a little less vigilant about sunscreen application. It *does* smell like traditional, beachy sunscreen so if you hate that smell, I wouldn't rec. Oh, and it's vegan and reef-safe! Get it from Amazon for $17.
49 (oxybenzone-, octinoxate-, gluten-, cruelty-, and paraben-free). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity..
