Teen Vogue's Editors Test the Latest in SPF
Whether it's for work or play, Teen Vogue editors are almost always on the go. Between frolicking on exotic islands (follow our beauty and health director Elaine Welteroth on Snapchat at elainewelteroth now, for non-stop snaps from her escape to Bora Bora!) or getting some fresh air on a staycation right here in New York City, we're firm believers that a little fun in the sun does the body good.
However, we don't ever underestimate the toll the sun can take on our skin. So before jetting out for the next adventure, we're sure to pile on and pack up the sunscreen to stay protected from those harmful rays. This month, we took the latest SPF formulas for a test run. Artist Bee Stanton—whose work can be in Origins's #QuarterLifeCrisis campaign and on her Etsy shop BeeJaeDee, came along for the ride.
Click through our slideshow above to learn about eight great new sunscreens, then follow @BeeJaeDee to get lost in more of Bee's illustrations on Istagram.
Product Photo: Courtesy of Avene1/9The Editor: Chantal Strasburger, editorial assistant
The Product: Avene Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
"Avene’s Mineral Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion has a clean, subtle scent that doesn’t immediately switch my mind to vacation mode, which is great since I’m usually heading to work, not to a beach. The water-resistant, mineral-based formula is virtually weightless and stayed put throughout a sweaty run (okay, jog) in the park."
2/9Just in time for the arrival of spring's beaming sun!
Product Photo: Courtesy of TK3/9The Editor: Erin Hover, senior designer
The Product: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Cooling Water-Lotion Sunscreen
"I didn’t do anything glamorous, but my outside activity consisted of riding my bike to Queens. The product absorbed really quickly and didn’t leave me with that ghostly-looking complexion that so often appears after you apply sunscreen. It went on smoothly and dried instantly. However, while I don’t really mind smelling like sunscreen at the beach, when I am eating dumplings in Queens—not so much!"
Product Photo: Courtesy of Shiseido4/9The Editor: Dan Koday, digital director
The Product: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ WetForce
"I normally mix a broad spectrum SPF 30 into my moisturizer, so I was interested to see how applying a 50+ would perform when I ran along the river this weekend. I like getting a little glow after being outside—even with SPF—and noticed that my glow wasn’t around after wearing this product, which means it definitely worked! The scent is clean but not overpowering and it’s water resistant (for up to 80 minutes), which was perfect for my 45-minute jog."
Product Photo: Courtesy of TK5/9The Editor: Hannah Weintraub, photo assistant
The Product: Coppertone ClearlySheer Sunny Days Broad Spectrum SPF 15
"I have very fair skin so I don’t joke around when it comes to sunscreen in the summer. I typically go for SPF 50 or even higher! This one went on super light and I didn’t feel like my face was caked in lotion. Only flaw? After spending a whole day walking outside, my cheeks still got rosy red. I’ll need to up the SPF come summertime."
Product Photo: Courtesy of TK6/9The Editor: Kirby Marzec, assistant accessories editor
The Product: L’Oreal Paris Advance Suncare Invisible Protect Clear Finish Spray SPF 30
"I spent my sunny Sunday afternoon exploring the streets of Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Before heading out on my adventure, I sprayed this over all my exposed skin. Not only did the spray go on super quick and easy, it also left my skin feeling hydrated—not sticky or greasy like other sunscreens can. Totally recommended for city girls on the go."
Product Photo: Courtesy of TK7/9The Editor: Joanna Citrinbaum Zerlin, copy chief
The Product: Neutrogena CoolDry Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
"I tested this one on both a cloudy day (you still gotta wear sunblock!) and a sunny day. I was happily surprised that my face didn’t look oily after I applied it, which happens nearly every time I wear sunscreen. The only problem is that the scent of this one reminds me of that of my husband’s shower gel. (Does ’Sport’ mean it’s for men? Women are athletes, too!)"
Product Photo: Courtesy of TK8/9The Editor: Tina Ferraro, beauty assistant
The Product: Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam SPF 50
"When it comes to packing (even for my quick weekend getaway to Florida!), I can never manage to narrow down the amount of products I toss in my travel bag, so I was extremely pleased that the travel-sized version of Supergoop!’s sunscreen oil didn’t take up a ton of space in my suitcase. Before a day of poolside lounging in the Floridian sun, I slathered on the lightweight oil then applied my usual CC cream. I was pleasantly surprised that it left my face looking extra dewy, without feeling like an oil slick."
Product Photo: Courtesy of TK9/9The Editor: Lyndsay Green, online beauty editor
The Product: Origins Smarty Plants CC SPF 20
"It’s hard to find a sunscreen that doesn’t leave an ashy film on brown complexions like mine, so I often end up mixing my SPF with a darker foundation. But Origins did the mixing for me! Though the medium to deep shade looked lighter than my typical CC cream, it went on sheer and blended into my skin tone perfectly. Guess I got coverage in more ways than one!"
