7 Affordable Sunscreens That Go Wherever Summer Takes You

Ask any dermatologist for skincare advice, and you’re likely to hear the same tip from all of them: wearing sunscreen daily is a non-negotiable, even if you’re not directly in the sun. Especially for long summer days filled with more time outdoors, you’ll need to double-check that your SPF routine is keeping up with your social calendar — and that goes beyond your usual morning skincare practice.

The truth is, there isn’t just one tried-and-true, one-size-fits-all approach to sunscreen, whether your plans involve sweating in a crowd at a music festival, laying out in the breeze at the beach, or playing tourist in a new city. There are a ton of factors that come into play when it comes to protecting your skin from harmful rays, including the sun’s intensity, whether you’re in the water or on land, your activity level, and of course, your skin’s own sensitivity.

The good news is that you’ll be able to find sunscreen for any outdoor adventure at your local CVS. Their skincare aisle is a one-stop-shop for all of your warm-weather plans, from quick errands during peak daylight hours to full days out during music festival season. For a rundown of some great sun protection essentials, keep scrolling for the CVS roster that covers any and all summer vibes.

The Vibe: Beach & Pool Lounging

Relaxing beach and pool days call for a sunblock that’s as low-key as you want your day to be. That’s where Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray comes in. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and has an invisible application — all great qualities for days when your time will be spent lounging in your swimsuit. Body mists are especially great for beach days since they can be easily reapplied by spraying on until your skin glistens, then rubbing in to ensure even coverage — but they don’t give the best application for your face. For that, you may want a solid stick that you can swipe on just as easily. (Keep scrolling for a recommendation.)

The Vibe: Biking Or Hiking

Intense activity requires a sunscreen formula like CVS Sport Clear Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Spray With SPF 30. Since this one is broad spectrum, that means it protects from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Thankfully, it’s also packed with ingredients that can handle sweat, and that go on clear (no awkward white marks on your clothing or gear here).

The Vibe: Boat Days & Swimming

Time spent on and in the water requires water-resistant sunscreen for protection in and out of the water. This Banana Boat Ultra Sport Clear Sunscreen Spray is SPF 50 and is a great active sunscreen with up to 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance. Bonus: the new lightweight formula instantly rubs in for a clear look.

The Vibe: Sightseeing & Traveling

Do sightseeing and travel have a spot on your summer calendar? Keep a sunscreen stick like Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF50 packed in your toiletries bag. A stick like this is ideal for quick application, no matter if you’re in line outside a museum or having lunch al fresco. And because sightseeing often calls for targeted protection — think: nose, cheeks, forehead, ears, back of neck, shoulders — a stick allows for precise coverage when you’re reapplying. This particular product is also a mineral formula, which is typically recommended for sensitive skin types. Plus, the small size is TSA-eligible, so it can travel anywhere you do.

The Vibe: Picnic In The Park

If the closest thing you have to a getaway is an outing in the park, then at least make it a fun one. To help keep your face protected, opt for a hydrating mineral lotion like CeraVe Sunscreen Hydrating Face Mineral Lotion SPF50, which is more like skincare than it is a traditional sunblock. The mineral formula relies on zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Don’t forget to choose one of your favorite sprays for the rest of your body.

The Vibe: Outdoor Festivals & Concerts

Although you should stick to your normal full-body SPF regimen when you’re out all day, there is one key area of your body you may have forgotten about: your lips. Concert-going means you’ll be talking and singing for hours without much shade — and that’s where a stick of Sun Bum SPF 30 Coconut Lip Balm comes in handy. In just a few swipes, you’ll get SPF 30 protection to help prevent sunburn, and rich ingredients like aloe provide a shot of hydration. Plus, the balm’s compact size means it easily fits in your pocket.

The Vibe: Too Much Sun (By Accident)

Whatever the reason, it’s always smart to keep a soothing gel like CVS AfterSun Aloe Vera Moisturizing Gel With Vitamin E Clear on hand. Dermatologists recommend applying a moisturizer with ingredients like aloe to help calm sunburned skin — especially while your skin is still slightly damp after a bath or shower, and anytime you’re feeling discomfort. This lightweight gel cools, soothes, and moisturizes sunburned or irritated skin to help restore moisture and prevent drying nad peeling. It’s an easy, gentle step to keep in your summer routine when your skin needs a little extra care.