Products are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from links.
Whether the destination is the rocky shores of Montauk or the Aeolian Islands’ secluded seas, a peek inside the summer-escape luggage of swimsuit designers the world around will reveal a treasure trove of maillots fit for every occasion: the itsy-bitsy bikini, the surf-proof one-piece, the shore-to-street bandeau… and, of course, their SPFs are as carefully considered.
Take it from Mikoh’s Oleema Miller, who says, “It’s by far the most important part of my beauty and beach routine—and a daily essential.” Luckily, she adds, there’s now a wealth of ray-fighting formulas to choose from: “Natural, plant-based, chemical-free, or those extra-potent ones for long days in the sun . . . . ”
Here, 10 women who have managed to seamlessly merge sand and style sound off on the best sunscreens to stock up on before your next beach day, from a rosy lip balm to a coconut-scented cream that doubles as one stylist’s secret hair weapon.
Georgiana Huddart, Hunza G
“I love Piz Buin’s brown bottle [sunscreen]. It’s got such a nostalgic look and smell, and reminds me of holidays with my parents. All my siblings and I are very fair-skinned, so sun cream was a huge feature, or we ended up looking like lobsters.”
Agnes Fischer, Fisch Swim
“I’m obsessed with Supergoop Glowscreen — a tinted SPF for the face. It’s light, reef-safe, and creates the perfect glow. I wear it daily both in St. Barths and in New York.”
Ilona Hamer, Matteau
“My favorite sunscreen is Le Tan’s SPF50+ Coconut Sunscreen Lotion. It’s an Australian staple that has a unique consistency and rubs straight in so that it feels like you just slathered on a good moisturizer, rather than a thick white sunscreen. The fragrance is the perfect sensory reminder of summer nostalgia, and I actually make a point to use it on all Matteau shoots as a protective body moisturizer for the perfect glow. My other secret use for it is to slick my hair with it in a center-part low bun if I’m going straight from the beach to dinner. It’s not tested on animals and Oxybenzone-free and I’ve never been sunburnt while wearing it!”
Shay Johnson, Dos Swim
“My favorite sunscreen is Vacation’s Classic Lotion SPF 30. The smell reminds me of growing up and spending summers at the public pool with my cousins. It is very nostalgic!”
Yasmine Eslami
“I like La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune suncream because it has a very nice texture. It’s not too heavy but [offers] 50+ protection. You can find it in every pharmacy in France. It’s a French classic, like Embryolisse. I also like the packaging of the one for the face — it is small and very easy to use — and it is affordable too!”
Oleema Miller, Mikoh
“I am obsessed with EltaMD’s sunscreen. I apply it rain or shine and double down on it when I’m beach-bound. It’s the perfect consistency for under makeup, and they make a waterproof version for when you’re spending all day in the water. Fresh also makes an amazing rose-colored lip balm with SPF 15 that I use every single day. It’s the perfect sheer berry shade and the SPF is an added bonus.”
Araks Yeramyan, Araks
“I like to use the most natural, chemical-free sunblock. I look for products that contain zinc oxide as the main ingredient and I avoid products that contain ingredients that end with “ate.” Lately, I’ve been using Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF50. For my baby, I go even more natural with a sunscreen made just from raspberry seed oil, like Earthley’s Sun Shield.”
Roxana Salehoun
“I’m hesitant to try new sunscreens as, in the past, I’ve broken out with daily use. One day, though, I needed some quickly and went with drugstore brand La Roche Posay, which turned out to work well for my skin. Currently, I am using the tinted mineral Anthelios Light Fluid SPF 50. I like how it goes on and blends in to give light coverage.”
Karla Rose, Zulu & Zephyr
“I love the beautiful oil-based formula of Sunday Supply Co.’s Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF50. The combination of nature’s goodness with zinc oxide for sun protection without added nasty ingredients is great whilst still providing sufficient protection against overexposure to UV rays.”
Gina Esposito, Nu Swim
“My favorite sunscreen is Zoca Lotion Reef-Safe SPF36. It has all organic ingredients, great packaging, a beautiful mint green color, and an incredible smell.”