Do you feel overwhelmed with the vast array of sunscreen brands at the drugstore? You're not alone! But rest assured you can find a sunscreen brand at the drugstore that will not only protect your skin from the sun, but also keep your wallet happy.
That way you'll have a little extra cash to splurge on that lip gloss you eyed in the makeup aisle.
Neutrogena
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Neutrogena is our favorite drugstore sunscreen brands. It includes Helioplex which blocks a vast amount of UVA rays, something that many sunscreens miss.
UVA rays are so potent that they penetrate through the windows and clothing and while UVA rays don't typically cause your skin to burn, they cause aging signs and skin cancer.
We love that you can find a wide array of SPF levels that go up to SPF100. (Nope, not a typo!) They also have a facial sunscreen that has SPF90 protection.
Neutrogena also has sunscreen that adds gradual color, so you can apply your self tanner and sunscreen in one application.
Aveeno
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Aveeno has a wide variety of sunscreens that will definitely fit your needs. Our favorite is Continuous Protection which comes in SPF range 30 to 70.
This sunscreen comes in a spray bottle that can be sprayed in every direction needed so you don't miss a square inch. It's quick and easy, especially great for squirmy kids who would rather run and play than stay put for a complete lotion rubdown.
It does take a few minutes to dry completely, but once dry you won't even know it's there.
Blue Lizard
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Blue Lizard is an Australian-based sunscreen that adheres to the guidelines put in place by the Australian government.
Why should that mean anything to you? Because skin cancer rates in Australia are much higher than anywhere else, and products there have to pass strict guidelines.
Blue Lizard has a range of sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to block both UVA and UVB rays effectively.
One cool feature Blue Lizard Sunscreen bottles have is that they turn blue when placed in UV rays. It's a good reminder to see the rays you're trying to avoid and it might help keep you from forgetting to reapply.
Alba Botanica
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If you're looking for a vegetarian sunscreen, or just one that doesn't smell like sunscreen, look no further than Alba Botanica's line of suncreens.
We love their Green Tea SPF 30 sunscreen, but if you're a lavender fan, you'll like their lavender-scented SPF 30. (One reviewer even noted the lavender kept the bugs away!)
The line has a range of sunscreens that vary from SPF15 to SPF30. They also have fantastic-flavored lip balm with SPF protection as well.
Alba Botanica products are all cruelty-free and their sunscreens fall in the vegan range.
Mission Skin Care
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Athletes rejoice because finally you can find a sunscreen that won't melt off or sting your eyes. Mission Skin Care offers a variety of sunscreens and lip balms with SPF, you're sure to find one that you love.
Our favorite from the line is the Ultra-Sweatproof Sunscreen SPF30. It goes on smooth, dries fast and stays on. Even if you're not a runner or biker, chances are good you or your children are sweating when out in the sun.
If this sunscreen provides enough protection for marathon runners and other athletes, it's certainly good enough for doing a little yard work or going out on the boat.
Bull Frog
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You won't find anyone saying negative things about the protection Bull Frog Surfer Gel Sunscreen SPF36 provides. They claim it provides coverage for 8 hours, and the skeptics that we are tried to prove them wrong. And much to our surprise, we couldn't!
This sunscreen provides amazing protection for much longer than we'd typically recommend you go without reapplication. We read reviews from people in the pool all day to those who applied once and went off to the beach for the entire afternoon. Not a single burn from any of them.
Now, we'd still recommend reapplication at least once throughout the day, but this is the real deal!
