Top sun protection products for summer 2023

The following article was published originally in May 2023. We are sharing it now for your perusal, but take into account that the following information may be outdated. 

When it comes to sun protection, waiting for summer isn't necessary. Extra attention is key. New sunscreen filters are on the shelf, and here are our top recommendations - what we think about the new sun protection products for summer 2023.

Let's start with a question that bothers you every year, a bit after Passover. When exactly should sunscreen be applied? Clean face first? Or maybe after moisturizing? So first of all, let's get one thing straight: sun protection shouldn't wait for summer; it should always be there. In winter, in the car, in the shade. And the answer is that sunscreen filters are the last step after serum and moisturizer are absorbed. If there's makeup involved, it comes after sunscreen. Now that we've sorted that out, let's read our list of recommendations.

Shiseido Protection Stick

What: Transparent stick with high protection.

Shiseido's stick in a new formula is everyone's favorite, including those with very stubborn sunscreen-resistant creams and makeup lovers who don't like SPF patches throughout the day. It's airy and non-greasy, absorbed instantly, and its presence on the skin is barely noticeable. The texture and shape allow easy application even in tough spots without drips and smudges. Life goals: A family pack for full-body coverage, but what to do when all this goodness comes in a small package at an outrageous price.

NIS 200 for 20 grams.

Lancome Aqua Gel

What: High protection gel texture.

If you have combination or oily skin and hate layering, Lancome's gel can definitely replace your daily moisturizer and save you a step. It's light, absorbs quickly, leaves no white residue, and works well under makeup, even when humidity outside is suffocating. Two notes for order: it's significantly scented, some love it, some can't stand it, and another thing - not guaranteed, its finish is less matte but rather more radiant. But not shiny, just luminous, fresh, and healthy, which is totally excellent.

UV EXPERT AQUA GEL for NIS 220 for 50 ml.

Hila Zingboim Silky Filter

What: Primer and protection.

Hila Zinboim's Silky Filter is another sophisticated product that combines both. It reminds us why there's no reason to settle for sticky, white, and suffocating sunscreens that sting the eyes. Yes, those childhood traumas we talk about. Besides SPF 50, it's also an excellent primer - if you decide to apply makeup on it, it will be an excellent base. If you go natural, it will provide the visage with a velvety and uniform finish that does most of the work.

Silky Filter Clear for NIS 295 for 50 ml.

Available at authorized cosmetologists.

Vichy Anti-Aging Sunscreen

What: Anti-aging and protective lotion.

Vichy's excellent product will even save those with particularly dry skin most of the morning routine - enough moisture to replace the regular cream, SPF 50 for full protection, a moist and illuminating finish for lifting (for oily skin owners, here's a less oily product), and like all brand products - hypoallergenic.

UV-AGE DAILY SPF50 for NIS 129 for 40 ml.

La Roche-Posay Sunscreen

What: Advanced technology protection lotion.

On the excellent products of La Roche-Posay and especially sunscreen products, you can always trust that they will arrive scent-free, colorless, and won't clog pores or cause pimples even on the most sensitive skin. The updated version of Anthelios also does not disappoint - skipping the complicated explanation and saying in a sentence that it promises to provide better and more thorough protection against harmful sun rays. In practice, after testing it on pool stairs, it's the same pleasant product that leaves no white marks, odorless, and protects well even on the most delicate and pale skin.

ANTHELIOS for NIS 104 for 50 ml.

GIGI Protection Spray

What: SPF50 protection spray.

So what do we have here? Sun protection in a spray, nothing less. The texture is very pleasant, not sticky, and the bottle is conveniently sized for carrying, all true. Nevertheless, we tried to find what justifies a much higher price than several similar conventional sprays, and we couldn't. For brand enthusiasts.

Protection spray for NIS 189 for 75 ml.

PAYOT Tanning Oil

What: Tanning oil for deepening tans.

If you still haven't grasped the importance of sun damage and you're interested in tanning and even deepening it, Payot's new oil is your BFF for the coming summer, and together you can restore the beloved and innocent sun-kissed look. The oil comes in a dry texture and a scent of morning yacht vacation, but with SPF15, we would rather exploit its second use - protecting the hair.

SUNNY BODY OIL for NIS 79 for 100 ml.

Dr. Fischer Ultra Light Lotion

What: Lightweight daily use sunscreen lotions.

The new UltraSOL series, a name almost generic for sun protection products, is proof that if you really want it - in the end, it happens. Dr. Fischer went a long way from thick, white, sunscreens, dragged by sand and sticks of Arctic ice, absorbed by the end of August, to the new series, which is not just sunscreen but also moisturizers tailored to the skin type. You can choose between lotion for mixed to oily skin or lotion for all skin types - both airy, suitable for sensitive and residue-free skin. It's not the best moisturizer with the best protection we've tried, but considering the reasonable price, it's a very worthwhile investment.

Ultra Light at launch price: NIS 60 instead of ₪70 for 50 ml.

Available at Super-Pharm.