The health and beauty of your skin depends on how diligent you are about sun protection. The facts about the sun’s effects on the skin have been well known for years, and there are hundreds of sun care products on the market to meet the needs of all different skin types and price points.

Drugstore Sunscreens

You can generally get a decent sunscreen formula for $10 or less at your local drugstore, discount store, or supermarket. Look for a sunscreen that offers an SPF of 30 or higher. It should also be non-greasy and preferably water-resistant. Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 30 Lotion (average price; $8.99) meets all these requirements. It’s a very effective, lightweight lotion that will stay on your skin even after sweating or getting splashed by the ocean surf.

Spray mist sunscreens are ultra-convenient. They help you avoid the mess of getting lotion all over your hands, and they make it easier to put sunscreen on hard-to-reach places like your back. Some people aren’t crazy about spray sunscreens because some of these products have a strong smell of alcohol and might give skin a shiny greasy appearance. Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 45 (average price; $9.99) gives your skin a burst of coolness that’s a breath of fresh air on a hot sunny day. Many users find this product to be quick-drying and pleasant-smelling.

If you’re a serious water person, you might have a hard time finding a sunscreen that really lasts. While reapplying sunscreen frequently during activities is recommended, you don’t want to use a sunscreen that becomes totally useless after an hour in the water. For sun protection with truly amazing staying power, try Bull Frog SPF 36 Surfer Formula Gel. The clear, citrus-scented gel absorbs into your skin instantly and keeps going strong for up to 8 hours!

Department Store Sunscreen

Sunscreen you find in department stores or at cosmetics shops are similar to drugstore products in that they provide a certain level of SPF protection. The difference with higher-end sunscreens is that they usually have some extra features, for example, they might offer rich moisturizing ingredients, more in-depth wrinkle protection, or a less sunscreen-like scent.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 (average price; $39) combines a high level of sun protection with the anti-oxidant properties of rose apple leaf extract. This water-resistant formula can be used on both face and body because it’s grease-free and lightweight.

Dermalogica is a skincare line developed by the International Dermal Institute. This company specializes in skin-brightening products that reduce the appearance of uneven skin and hyper-pigmentation also known as sun spots or age spots. They know better than anyone that the road to younger looking skin begins with top-notch sun protection. Their Multivitamin Bodyblock SPF 20 is a deep moisturizing formula infused with skin-nourishing vitamins and anti-oxidants. This silky smooth cream is also free of any artificial fragrances and colors, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin.

Natural Sunscreens

People trying to live a more earth-friendly lifestyle usually try to switch their mainstream skincare products to alternative formulas that use natural ingredients. Not only are these natural products believed to be better for your body and the planet, they might also be more effective at protecting you from the sun, because they provide a barrier that guards against both UVA and UVB while most chemical-based sun products provide protection only against UVB rays.

One great thing about natural sun care products is that they’re usually safe for children and babies. More often than not they’re hypoallergenic and tear-free, so the whole family can enjoy a day at the beach without having to overload the beach tote with multiple bottles. Jason Naturals Family Natural Sunblock provides gentle sun protection and damage prevention for people of all ages with its skin-nourishing blend of green tea, vitamin E and shea butter.

If you’re looking for a non-gooey, non-messy sun protection product that suits your active lifestyle, try Mission Fast-Drying Sunscreen SPF 30 + Spray (average price; $9.99). Unlike many quick-drying sunscreens, this product contains no alcohol. It’s also free of paraben and preservatives. The formula is moisturizing, convenient, and waterproof.

In addition to dark tanning oils, Mexitan produces one of the strongest natural sunscreens on the market. Their Tropical Sands SPF 50 Lotion is a chemical-and-fragrance-free sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection. It’s received a high rating from the Environmental Working Group, the organization that tests and ranks natural and eco-friendly products.

Sunscreens For The Face

Sunscreen is one of the most important products you can buy for your face. It beats all the fancy moisturizers and wrinkle creams available because it protects you against the most common cause of skin damage and wrinkles: the sun’s harmful rays.

You might be tempted to use a sunscreen meant for the body on your face, but this isn’t always the best idea. Sunscreen that’s meant for the body can be too heavy and oily for your face, which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Your best bet is to use a sunscreen that’s specially formulated for the face, or to use a facial moisturizer that has a high SPF protection.

Lancaster Sun Care Face High Protection Age-Defying Cream SPF 30 (average price; $25) is a rich, moisturizing sunscreen designed for women with sensitive, sunburn-prone skin. You won’t have to worry about drying, irritation or peeling when you’re using this luxurious product. In addition to its excellent UVA and UVB protection, it also contains anti-oxidants to help fight the signs of aging.

If you have oily skin, you can run into problems when using cream or lotion sunscreens, even those that are meant for the face. These products can be very shiny and noticeable on your skin, and definitely don’t make the best base for make-up. sunforgettable mineral powder sun protection SPF 30 brush from colorscience (average price; $50) is a lightweight mineral powder makeup/sunscreen that perfects as it protects. This formula comes in six colors and features a convenient brush dispenser to evenly distribute the product over your skin.