Dermatologist Ellen Marmur, M.D., loves to buy sunscreen in bulk at Costco or whenever it goes on sale at the drugstore. "I don't think there's one specific brand that's superior to others. The fact that you have one and use it is what makes it better!" she says. "I usually have about 15 different kinds on hand that my husband, my kids, and I use. Getting kids to wear sunblock takes some creativity, so I pull out a bunch of sticks and sprays and lotions and let them choose." That said, Marmur does have some guidelines and personal favorites. Here's what she says every woman should keep in her bathroom or beach bag:
Daily serum to wear under makeup
Marmur smooths on a light serum every morning, like L'Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Liquid Silk Sunshield for Face SPF 50+, $10.90, or Supergoop! SPF 30+ City Sunscreen Serum, $42.
Stick for around the eyes
"I'm seeing more and more skin cancers around women's eyes, because we don't tend to pile on the sunblock there for fear of stinging. Sticks are great for beach days or exercising outdoors because they stay put and won't sweat into your eyes," says Marmur. She uses Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick SPF 55, $6.99. Another to try: Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 Stick, $4.69.
Mineral sunscreen for face
Marmur loves NIA 24 Sun Damage Protection 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $45, for outdoor days. We like La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Tinted Mineral, $32.95.
Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for body