The 6 Best Spray Sunscreens That Make Application Quick and Easy

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You need to wear sunscreen . We're not here to nag you about it. Your mom, your partner, and your doctor all probably say the same thing: Wear SPF and make sure to reapply it every two hours. Message received. The problem is, lotion sunscreen can be a pain—formulas feel goopy, take ages to rub in, and still leave a ghostly white cast all over your face and body. You still need an SPF lotion or cream that works for you, but a spray sunscreen is your workhorse for long days in the sun.

Thing is, spray sunscreens are often less effective than lotions , mostly because they're easy to apply badly. Coverage can be uneven, wind can whisk away half of it before it even hits your skin, and because most sprays go on clear, it's harder to tell whether you actually got your whole back or missed entire patches. And a quick spritz does not count. But if you spray close enough to the skin for long enough, rub it in thoroughly (this is paramount), and recruit a friend for the spots you can't reach, spray sunscreen can absolutely get the job done.

With summer on the horizon and the sun already out, we rounded up the best spray sunscreens worth tossing in your beach bag, carry-on , or work backpack all season long. They're easy, effective, and less likely to make you dread reapplying.

1) Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray

We're generally big fans of Sun Bum here at Esquire, and this broad-spectrum SPF 30 spray has everything we'd want in a sunscreen. It's moisturizing, packed with vitamin E (an antioxidant that enhances protection from UV radiation), non-comedogenic, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and even smells amazing. So you can wear it pretty much anywhere for any activity—and people will wonder what beachy fragrance you're wearing and how it stays on in the water.

2) Neutrogena Clear Body SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray

Anyone who already has oily skin knows what a pain greasy sunscreens and body lotions can be. You probably already know Neutrogena for its ubiquitous clean skincare products sold at drugstores all over, and if millions of people trust the brand with their everyday skincare, you can bet they make a great spray sunscreen, too. This one works for all skin types but is especially great for oily skin, since it's formulated to be lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores.

3)

EltaMD

UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Lately, mineral sunscreens have been gaining popularity as a better choice than chemical sunscreens when it comes to clean ingredients—they're also less likely to cause irritation, so they're a great option for anyone with sensitive skin. EltaMD makes a 100 percent mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide as the active ingredient, and it's also packed with vitamins C and E (which both have anti-aging properties) along with gentle, moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera and coconut fruit extract.

4) Oars + Alps Hydrating SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray

Oars + Alps makes a great spray sunscreen that not only protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays—it's extra hydrating thanks to antioxidants like vitamin C and Alpine Caribou Moss as well as olive leaf extract. Oh, and it smells like a fresh blend of amber, bamboo, and coconut water, without being overpowering.

5)

Supergoop!

PLAY Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50

We've already written an entire endorsement on Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen , so naturally, we're fans of the brand's spray sunscreen, too. This SPF 50 spray is perfect for days at the beach or pool or whenever you're getting sweaty in the sun, since the formula is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes and can be applied onto dry or wet skin. It also has some hydrating ingredients, like vitamin C, green tea extract, and acai extract.

6)

European Wax Center

Lightweight SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray

Whether you wax or not, European Wax Center makes a great lightweight spray sunscreen. What makes it special is that its formula includes narcissus bulb extract, which helps reduce hair thickness between waxes, but even if you don't wax, it's got a bunch of other beneficial ingredients, like coconut water and rice bran oil for hydration. It also smells light and floral, with notes of coconut, ylang ylang, orchid and bamboo—perfect for summer.

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