Published May 23, 2024

I Tried 9 Sunscreens in 9 Days—Here’s How They All Fit Into My Daily Routine

There are a ton of great new summer sunscreens available from Sephora. Inside, our senior beauty editor reviews her nine favorites.

I Tried 9 Sunscreens in 9 Days—Here’s How They All Fit Into My Daily Routine

There are a ton of great new summer sunscreens available from Sephora. Inside, our senior beauty editor reviews her nine favorites.

Published May 23, 2024

In Partnership With

Sephora

Written by

Aimee Simeon

Photo: W+G Creative

Published May 23, 2024

In Partnership With

Sephora

Written by

Aimee Simeon

Ask any dermatologist, and they’ll tell you—the best SPF is one that you’ll want to use every day. The problem is that the SPF category has been chronically delayed in putting sunscreens on the market that are actually enjoyable to wear. Like most people, I’ve run into my fair share of pasty, white-cast formulas that have made sun protection far from fun.

However, as a beauty editor with 10 years of experience covering skin-care trends, I’ve spent years talking to dermatologists about sun protection. I know better than to skip out on sunscreen. “Sunscreen reduces your overall UV exposure and lowers your risk of skin cancer and sun damage,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Regular daily use of SPF 15 (30 is even better) sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent. It also helps prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun, including wrinkles, sagging, and age spots.”

According to Dr. King, wearing SPF makes the single most dramatic difference in how our skin ages over time.

According to Dr. King, wearing SPF makes the single most dramatic difference in how our skin ages over time. “Sunscreen is important every day and so is reapplying every two hours and after swimming or sweating,” she says.

Luckily, brands (like the summer sunscreens from Sephora listed below) have been hard at work lately, making SPF wearable, sexy, and effective, and nowadays, it feels like there are more good options than none. My skin-care routine has evolved to the point where applying sunscreen is no longer a task, but a seamless part of my day. I’ve curated an “SPF wardrobe,” much like a collection of closet basics. These formulas can stand independently for work or fun but also blend well with other elements of my life, like makeup, physical activity, and even cuddling with my baby.

I’ve recently added nine new summer sunscreens from Sephora to my SPF wardrobe, all serving a unique but essential purpose. Ahead, I’m diving into my absolute favorites for your sun protection needs ahead of summer.

Shop Summer Sunscreens from Sephora

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 — $32.00

Many brands that promise clear sunscreen don’t really mean it—but not Shiseido. This stick is 100 percent transparent and feels like silk when applied to the skin. I discovered this formula a few months ago on a vacation and used it to a stump. It’s a great formula to wear on your face, but I also love keeping it in my purse when the weather gets warmer to reapply to exposed areas (like my arms and chest) when I wear short sleeves or tank tops.

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Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF 40 Sunscreen with Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide — $38.00

Supergoop revolutionized the industry with its efficacious formulas that made wearing sunscreen fun, and the brand continues to innovate. I’ve been a regular devotee since the launch of Glowscreen (it’s pearlescent SPF formula that gives you that lit-from-within vibe). Since then, Supergoop has released different shades of the formula, and Golden Hour is my perfect match. The glowy liquid is tinted brown, and during the winter, it makes me look like I spent a few days on a tropical vacation. In warmer months, it pairs nicely with a natural tan.

Even I’m not stepping outside, I love slathering this on days when my skin feels dull and needs a pick-me-up. I also love using it as a base for dewy makeup (or just adding some liquid blush on top, to be honest).

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Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick SPF 45 — $30.00

Another great, clear option that has yet to fail me is this balm stick from Glow Recipe. Yes, it’s transparent, and yes, it has the hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract that I love from the brand’s Watermelon Glow range. But what I love most about this one is that there’s also niacinamide, an ingredient I look for to help with my hyperpigmentation. I’ve been using it for a few weeks, and I’m excited to see how daily use helps my skin (while protecting it) this summer.

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Kiehl's Better Screen™ UV Serum SPF 50+ Facial Sunscreen with Collagen Peptide — $42.00

This serum has a super soft formula that leaves a satin, skin-like finish behind. It’s packed with collagen peptides, which, along with SPF 50, help to improve the look of skin texture over time. Again, it’s an excellent option for everyday wear that won’t even feel like you’re wearing sunscreen (which is ideal for adding to your daily routine).

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Summer Fridays ShadeDrops Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 30 — $36.00

This Summer Fridays formula feels like an expensive silk scarf for your face. It’s lightweight, like a serum, and has squalene, one of my favorite ingredients for hydration. I use the two-finger rule with this, and the nozzle applicator makes it easy to measure. Once it’s on, it leaves my face soft and visibly plump, making reapplying every few hours feel like a luxury.

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Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance™ SPF 50 Body Spray Sunscreen with Niacinamide — $36.00

I’m usually a sucker for sunscreen that mentally takes me to the tropics, and this one does that and some. The Rio Radiance mist pairs the beachy aroma of Sol de Janeiro’s Cheirosa 87 scent (one of my faves) with SPF 50 sun protection, so you don’t have to skimp on long-lasting fragrance while shielding your skin. Beyond the delicious scent, it also leaves a nice sheen that doesn’t feel sticky or greasy. I’ll use this for tank top season, but I’m packing an extra bottle for my upcoming summer vacation.

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Sephora Collection Daily Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 — $20.00

Finding a mineral formula that doesn’t pill or feel dry (not to mention one that won’t leave me looking ashy) has been challenging. This one does none of the above and actually rubs in clear on my medium-deep skin. It contains zinc oxide, which creates a physical shield that protects the skin and leaves me feeling hydrated but not greasy or sticky. “Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide are less likely to irritate sensitive skin and there are fewer concerns about absorption and safety,” Dr. King says. Plus, pilling is never an issue if I layer makeup on top.

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Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen — $18.00

When you think of closet essentials, the first things that come to mind are plain white tees, a flattering pair of denim, and a cute blazer. You know, the basics. This formula is all of that, but for your face.

As you know, sunscreen should be applied daily. So, when I’m looking for a formula to make the cut into my everyday routine, I reach for one that’s moisturizing and feels like skin care. This one is so hydrating it feels like a drink of water for my face. It’s formulated with green tea extract and sunflower seed oil to soothe and plump dry skin (like mine), but it doesn’t feel too matte. It also doesn’t leave behind a white cast, which is super important to me.

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innBeauty Project Mineral Sun Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 43 PA +++ with Peptides and Vitamin C — $35.00

When the weather gets warmer, I typically ditch applying foundation altogether. Instead, I love a tinted SPF with just a few spots of concealer where needed. This has been my go-to base for days when I want my skin tone to appear more even. It plays well with my concealer, so I get perfect coverage and protection when I wear them together. SPF wardrobe, complete.

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Food

Published Feb 20, 2025

The Making of an Internet-Famous Fruit: How Sumo Citrus Has Captured Hearts, Tastebuds, and a Devoted Following

Published Feb 20, 2025

In Partnership With

Sumo Citrus

Written by

Maeve McCormick

Photo: Sumo Citrus® & W+G Creative

Published Feb 20, 2025

In Partnership With

Sumo Citrus

Written by

Maeve McCormick

Confession time: I love citrus—zesty limes squeezed on my tacos, fresh-squeezed orange juice on slow Sunday mornings, and the invigorating scent of grapefruit candles when I need to unwind. But when it comes to eating whole citrus fruits? Historically, not my thing. The mess of peeling, the sticky fingers, the rogue juice dribbling down my wrists—for me, most citrus has never been worth the (literal) squeeze.

Then, one day, my roommate came home from the store with an oversized citrus I didn’t recognize. She told me I had to try a piece, while effortlessly peeling it in one smooth motion—no mess, no struggle. I skeptically accepted a slice, wondering what the big deal was.

To my surprise, the experience was completely sticky-fingers-free. And the taste? Unlike any citrus I’d had before—enormously sweet, impossibly juicy, and balanced with just a hint of tang. That was my first bite of Sumo Citrus^®—and now, I understand why The Office actress Jenna Fischer planted a Sumo Citrus tree in her yard, John Mayer peeled it on TikTok, and it has its very own merch (kind of eyeing that beanie, TBH).

So, what’s earned Sumo Citrus this devoted following? Sumo is taking the sweetness on the road for you to experience it yourself with the Tastemonial Tour—and it’s making a special stop at House of Good during our Ultimate Citrus Experience pop-up from February 21 to 23. Stop by for the hype if you're in Los Angeles, and read on to find out how this one-of-a-kind fruit became a seasonal fruit fixation.

Find Sumo Citrus Near You

Sumo Citrus wasn’t just plucked from a tree one day and marketed as the next big thing—it’s the result of decades of careful cultivation, according to Sunnia Gull, AC Food’s vice president of marketing. First developed in Japan in the 1970s, it was naturally bred to combine the best traits of different citrus varieties—including the sweetness of mandarins, the juiciness of navel oranges, and the easy-to-peel skin of a satsuma.

Despite its popularity, growing Sumo Citrus is no easy feat. It takes years of expertise to perfect, and California’s Central Valley is the only place in the United States where it’s grown. Even then, farmers face unpredictable weather challenges, which means every piece of fruit that makes it to the store is a result of careful tending and patience.

The first thing you notice about Sumo Citrus is its size—it’s the largest variety of mandarins. The second? Its signature Top Knot^®, a bump on top of the fruit that serves as an easier way to peel it. The skin practically lifts off, revealing plump, seedless segments that don’t leave your hands coated in juice and stubborn pith.

Every Sumo Citrus is guaranteed to be incredibly sweet, thanks to each being measured on the “brix meter,” to ensure it meets sky-high sweetness standards before hitting shelves, Gull says. For those who prefer their fruit without surprise sour bites, it’s a game-changer.

Beyond its chef’s-kiss flavor and finally-I-don’t-need-a-wet-wipe convenience, Sumo Citrus packs a *serious* nutritional punch. Each fruit contains 163 percent of your daily vitamin C, along with fiber, potassium, and a flavonoid called hesperidin, which has antioxidant benefits. Whether you’re looking for immunity support, a gut-friendly snack, or a natural energy source, it fits the bill. Bonus: It’s the kind of snack I can toss in my bag and eat in two minutes flat—way better than the sad granola bar that’s been in my purse for the past three months.

And while Sumo Citrus is made to eat straight out of the peel, fans have gotten creative with how they use it. The fruit’s sweetness and juiciness make it an ideal addition to everything from bright citrus salads to zesty cocktails and refreshing desserts. Its bold flavor also complements savory dishes—think citrus-glazed salmon or a tangy dressing for roasted vegetables.

All of that creativity may be a result of the fact that Sumo Citrus is here for a good time, but not a long time. Unlike standard grocery store oranges that are available year-round, Sumo Citrus has a limited growing season, running only from January to April. This short window has created an almost cult-like following, with fans stocking up as soon as they see the signature purple sticker in stores.

I get it—now that I’ve experienced Sumo, I fully understand the impulse to grab them while they last. The anticipation is almost part of the appeal: Like cherry blossom season or holiday peppermint mochas, Sumo’s fleeting availability makes it even more special. And when the season ends? People (me) are already counting down the days until its return. Conclusion: Do yourself a favor and grab a few before they disappear for the year. Because once you’ve had a taste of this juicy citrus, there’s no going back.

Psst: Want a taste ASAP? The Sumo Tastemonial Tour is rolling into Belmont Park in San Diego from February 28 to March 1, Boreal Ski Resort in Tahoe from March 7 to 8, Craig Ranch Regional Park in Las Vegas from March 10 to 11, and La Encantada in Tuscon from March 14 to 15—or stop by House of Good in Venice Beach for the Ultimate Citrus Experience from February 21 to 23.