Let’s not dwell on the obvious about how hot it is, how the summer is just starting, and just how important it is to have sunblock on all the time, especially during the summer season. Let’s just get on with the real reason why you’re here: the skinny on some of your favorite sunscreen lotions and just how well they held up to our tests.
We tried them out in the beach and also while strolling around the city in this heat. While some are good when you’re swimming in the water, others prove to be urban warriors. So I guess it’s up to you which one to pick up based on your needs and if you need to switch up the one you’ve often used for something that’s a little bit more attuned to what you’re going to do.
Human Nature SafeProtect SPF 30
Pro: This product has a mild scent of coconuts and claims to be made with organic ingredients that won’t harm the corals once you wash it off the skin. For those of you who are fans of the first sunblock from the brand but didn’t like how it left white marks all over, you’ll like this one as it fades into the skin like you didn’t put anything on.
Con: Since it’s just SPF 30, it’s a very light coverage for long and intense activities in the sun.
Human Nature. Available at select Beauty Bar branches. For more information, visit their website.
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 50
Pro: I use this everyday for when I am wearing a sleeveless top and similar pieces as it leaves a faint shimmery glow to the skin, making you look like you’ve always had that nice tan. It also has a strong fruity scent for those of you who hate the clinical smell of other sunscreen lotions. It’s summer in a bottle!
Con: I noticed that it got a little sticky as the day goes by.
Hawaiian Tropic. Available at selected Watson’s branches. For more information, visit their website.
SunPlay SPF 65
Pro: The cooling effect this product provides is good if you want to feel extra chill on the beach.
Con: Since it claims to be safe enough to be used on the face, I tried it out only to find it feels a little too harsh. I suggest putting a moisturizer first before slathering on your face.
SunPlay. Available at selected Watson’s branches. For more information, visit their Facebook page.
Ulta Screen MD Body Lotion SPF 100
Pro: It keeps the skin free of sweat when walking under the sun, and its high SPF will also make sure that you’re relatively safe from damage. It also has a mild scent to it that lasts until the end of the day, depending on the amount that you decide to apply.
Con: The consistency is a bit loose, which some people may not prefer. I also found that it makes my skin feel chalky during the first 30 minutes of application so you’d have to wait for it to smoothly settle into your skin.
Ultra Screen MD. Available at selected Watson’s branches. For more information, visit their website.
Banana Boat Ultra Protect Sunscreen Lotion SPF 80
Pro: After slathering a generous amount on my arms, its tropical scent stuck around for almost the whole day. Plus, it made my skin feel cool because of the aloe vera.
Con: It feels heavy and sticky on the skin during application and even after a couple of hours of being outside. This seems to work best when you’re at the beach or in a pool.
Banana Boat. Available at selected Watson’s branches. For more information, visit their website.
Wella Sun Protection Spray
Pro: We also tested a sunscreen to help protect your locks. This one from Wella actually made my hair really soft even after hours in the saltwater. It also doesn’t feel greasy.
Con: Since it does say it’s for fine hair, those of you with thicker hair and other hair problems might not find this effective for long days out in the sun.
Wella. Available at selected leading salons. For more information, visit their website.
Sittings by Jacque De Borja
Photos by Paolo Tabuena